Pod Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mount Indie is seeking to provide forward-deployed support for an airborne networking pod and associated ground systems. This role focuses on hands-on installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and sustainment of Fuse pods and expeditionary ground gateway kits in operational environments. You will work with aircrews, JICOs, network operations teams, and engineers to keep products mission-effective: bringing the pod to Full Ops, stabilizing Link-16 and JREAP-C, enabling voice (VoSIP/radio-over-IP), and burning down integration issues under real-world conditions. What you'll do: Pod & Aircraft Integration * Support upload, download, and ground checks of the pod on aircraft in coordination with maintenance and GCS crews. * Perform pod power on, BIT, and LRU checks across the integrated communications stack, including: * Tactical router/switch / mission computer (e.g., ruggedized compute node). * Type 1 IP encryptor (e.g., KG 250X or equivalent HAIPE). * Airborne IP SATCOM terminal (e.g., Starlink/StarShield or other pLEO/LEO SATCOM). * Link 16 tactical data link terminal (e.g., KOR 24A STT, MIDS LVT, MIDS JTRS, or similar). * Radio over IP / voice gateway (e.g., Vocality or similar RoIP/VoSIP device). * MANET / wideband line of sight radio (e.g., Silvus, Trellisware, or similar). * Verify aircraft/pylon power behavior (including power cycle impacts) and execute pod recovery sequences to return to Full Ops. * Assist with umbilical routing, connector inspections, and basic mechanical/electrical checks, escalating structural or avionics issues to the appropriate maintainers. Mission Setup & Operations * Bring pod from cold start to mission ready by: * Configuring the mission management / monitoring tool (e.g., browser based network/TDL status interface similar to ADSI, LMMT, and T3). * Verifying tactical data link gateway configuration (e.g., TRAX like JREAP/Link 16 gateway software). * Confirming crypto loads and time synchronization for Link 16 and IP encryptors in coordination with COMSEC. * Establishing JREAP-C connectivity between the pod and ground sites. * Monitor pod status during missions (including long duration sorties), track Link 16 and JREAP-C health, and execute recovery TTPs after power events. * Support voice integration on the pod: assist with RoIP/VoSIP gateway and Link 16 radio voice channel configuration (e.g., 2nd channel V/UHF), perform clear voice and encrypted VoSIP checks, and support handset/radio integration as directed by engineering. * Capture flightline observations, power cycle timelines, and system behavior in daily notes to feed back into engineering and operations. Network, Crypto, and Data Link Support * Work with SIPR providers, DISA, and base comms teams to validate system connectivity, bandwidth, and reachability mission services. * Assist with configuration and basic troubleshooting of: * JREAP-C between pod and ground sites. * Link-16 net entry for the airborne terminal (e.g., KOR-24A STT, MIDS-LVT/JTRS): load file/application of OPTASK LINK parameters, crypto period, time reference, and antenna/RF path checks in accordance with MIL-STD-6016 and platform guidance. * Status/data replication between the pod and shore/ground instances of the monitoring tool (e.g., WinTAK-like browser-based COP). * Support local COMSEC personnel with loading and verifying keys for: * Link-16 terminal (e.g., MIDS/STT TEK/TIK). * IP encryptors (HAIPE). * Ancillary radios or SATCOM modems. * All actions will follow approved key-handling procedures with COMSEC personnel retaining custodial responsibility. Testing, Troubleshooting & Documentation * Execute repeatable ground test sequences to reproduce and isolate issues with: * Power sequencing and aircraft power behavior. * Network routing, bandwidth, and latency. * Tactical data links (Link 16 PPLI/tracks, J series forwarding, JREAP-C). * Voice services (RoIP/VoSIP) and radio audio paths. * Red/Black (CT/PT) routing paths through encryptors and mission computers. * Pull logs from pods, radios, routers, encryptors, and laptops and securely transfer them to Fuse engineering teams for analysis. * Follow structured troubleshooting practices: clearly document the problem, diagnostic steps, interim workarounds, and operational impact; feed this back to engineering and leadership for defect tracking and TTP updates. * Contribute to updates of user guides, checklists, and TTPs based on forward lessons learned and recurring field issues. Customer & Team Interaction * Work directly with operators, JICOs, liaison officers, and maintainers to explain Fuse capabilities, current status, and basic operating procedures in clear, user-focused language. * Provide informal, on-the-spot training and mission-prep walkthroughs on Fuse, the ground gateway kit, and associated monitoring/GW tools to aircrew and watch floor personnel as needed. * Represent Fuse professionally in high-visibility operational environments; identify pain points for the warfighter and relay them back to the product and engineering teams. Requirements Required * U.S. citizenship. * Ability to maintain a Secret security clearance. * Ability and willingness to travel up to ~75% CONUS and OCONUS for extended periods, including deployment to austere locations and support to extended mission days. * 2+ years of experience in one or more of the following: * Field service, avionics, or systems maintenance on military platforms. * Tactical data links (e.g., Link-16) or multi-link gateway systems (e.g., TRAX, WinTAK, or similar). * Tactical IP networking / SATCOM systems (e.g., pLEO/LEO SATCOM, WBHF, or Ku/Ka-band terminals) in DoD environments. * Comfortable working on and around aircraft in coordination with maintenance and ground crews. * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems by following procedures, using logs, and collaborating with remote engineering teams. * Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to brief status and issues concisely to both operators and engineers. Highly Desired * Hands-on experience with any of the following (or similar) systems: * Link-16 terminals (e.g., KOR-24A STT, MIDS-LVT, MIDS-JTRS), JREAP-C client/servers, or other tactical data link gateways (e.g., TRAX, WinTAK). * Type-1 HAIPE devices (e.g., KG-250X family or equivalent). * SATCOM terminals (Starlink/StarShield, WGS, commercial Ku/Ka) and tactical IP routers/firewalls (e.g., ruggedized CORE-class systems) in deployed environments. * Radio-over-IP / VoSIP gateways (e.g., Vocality, TACLANE-VoIP, or equivalent). * Prior experience supporting airborne gateways, networking pods, or similar mission systems. * Prior military service or direct support to operational units. * Familiarity with Linux, basic command-line tools, and web-based management interfaces (e.g., cloud-hosted tactical monitoring systems similar to ADSI, LMMT, and T3). * Experience working with COMSEC/crypto teams and interpreting OPTASK LINK, theater data link guidance, and JICO-provided network plans.