AATC F-16 Mission Planning Analyst
Modern Technology Solutions
Tucson, AZ · Posted September 1, 2026
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About the job
Overview: MTSI is seeking a highly motivated Mission Planner to support fast‑paced flight test operations for the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in Tucson, Arizona. This technical professional will assist mission planning efforts for F-16 flight test programs while serving as technical support for F-16 flight test to manage flight test data. AATC drives rapid modernization across a portfolio of combat systems, and this role provides hands‑on technical leadership throughout the mission planning lifecycle. The Mission Planning Analyst will collaborate with the AATC government mission planning team and test directors to coordinate and execute complex F‑16 flight test missions spanning air‑to‑air and air-to-ground weapons, data links, and emerging capabilities, ensuring safe, effective, and operationally relevant test events that advance the F‑16’s combat readiness.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
Report mission planning status, operational activities, and outcomes to government leadership.
Provide technical and planning support for F‑16 flight test missions.
Apply expertise in F‑16 mission planning systems, including the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) and Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS), and provide user‑focused input for software updates.
Support AATC mission planning independently during home‑station operations and travel, including deployments for flight test events.
Implement software and hardware updates to mission planning systems on F-16 aircraft and coordinate synchronization with program offices and AATC stakeholders.
Download, archive, and manage post‑flight mission data; ensure availability for review and oversee mission data transfer to the 309th Software Engineering Group and system vendors.
Perform data management and analysis to support F‑16 flight test solution development.
Use data tracking and analytical tools, including Microsoft Office, to support mission planning tasks.
Coordinate test mission data and recording requirements across variable F‑16 flight schedules, including early‑morning and late‑evening events.
Maintain a strong understanding of ANG/AFRC aircraft operations and tactical employment to inform mission planning improvements.
Support AATC in the end‑to‑end development of advanced combat systems within an independent, high‑energy environment alongside multidisciplinary teams of engineers, analysts, pilots, and aircrew.
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of software testing, analysis, or practical engineering experience
Experience with common design tools and data analysis tools
Strong analytical skills and ability to multitask
Ability to work in a high noise environment such as nearby aircraft
Demonstrated team leadership and customer interface skills
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
Proficiency with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office
Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record
Motivated, self‑driven, and comfortable in high‑energy independent work environment
Desired Skills:
Experience in military software testing, engineering, or flight test
Background in aircraft mission planning systems to include the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
Experience with Special Access Programs
Knowledge of Aircraft Ethernet Bus and MIL‑STD‑1553
Education Requirements:
B.S. in engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline desired
Clearance Requirements:
Current Secret Clearance
Eligible for Top Secret/SCI
Current TS/SCI highly desired
Travel Requirements: Travel is expected approximately every month with periodic, mostly intraweek trips to support AATC projects. Up to 20% travel, depending on program workload and project location.
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