F-16 Hydraulic Systems Subject Matter Expert

Position/Title: F-16 Hydraulic Systems Subject Matter Expert
Status: 1099 Contractor
Duty Location: Flexible, with options for remote work and necessary travel
Security: Not required
Start Date: Immediate

Background

Vectrona is seeking a seasoned F-16 Hydraulic Systems Subject Matter Expert to support the development and implementation of advanced mixed reality training experiences for F-16 maintenance personnel. This role will focus specifically on the F-16 hydraulic system and related aircraft maintenance tasks, helping ensure that ACE-XR training content accurately reflects real-world maintenance procedures, system operation, troubleshooting practices, safety requirements, and technical order guidance.

The SME will work closely with Vectrona’s ACE-XR team to support the creation of immersive, interactive, and instructionally effective training experiences that improve system understanding, maintenance readiness, and aircraft support capability.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Hydraulic Systems Expertise: Provide in-depth knowledge of F-16 hydraulic systems, including hydraulic power generation, reservoirs, pumps, accumulators, actuators, filters, valves, lines, pressure regulation, system servicing, and related components.
• Technical Content Development: Support the creation, review, and validation of mixed reality training content focused on F-16 hydraulic system operation, inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, component identification, and maintenance procedures.
• Technical Order Review: Review applicable F-16 Technical Orders, maintenance manuals, schematics, system diagrams, and job guides to ensure ACE-XR training content is accurate and compliant with approved maintenance guidance.
• Troubleshooting Support: Provide expert guidance on hydraulic faults, leak identification, pressure-related issues, component failures, system isolation, servicing considerations, and corrective maintenance actions.
• Collaboration: Work with software developers, instructional designers, 3D artists, and aviation SMEs to translate hydraulic system knowledge into accurate XR training sequences and learning interactions.
• Training Validation: Review storyboards, narration scripts, interactive maintenance procedures, learning challenges, and virtual simulations to ensure technical accuracy and instructional value.
• Safety Standards: Ensure all hydraulic maintenance content reflects proper safety procedures, including pressure safety, fluid handling, contamination control, personal protective equipment, environmental considerations, and aircraft safety precautions.
• Customer and Team Support: Participate in technical reviews, customer demonstrations, feedback sessions, and content validation meetings as required.

Education/Degree Minimum

A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, aviation maintenance, or a related field is preferred. Extensive hands-on F-16 hydraulic maintenance experience, military training, and relevant certifications may substitute for formal education.

Qualifications

• Hands-On Experience: 10-12 years of aircraft maintenance experience, with significant experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or supervising maintenance on F-16 hydraulic systems.
• F-16 Maintenance Background: Direct experience working on F-16 aircraft in a military, depot, contractor logistics support, or aerospace maintenance environment.
• Hydraulic System Knowledge: Strong understanding of F-16 hydraulic system operation, system components, pressure generation, fluid servicing, leak detection, component replacement, and fault isolation procedures.
• Technical Order Familiarity: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply F-16 Technical Orders, system diagrams, schematics, maintenance manuals, and job guides.
• Military Training: Completion of official military aircraft maintenance training, preferably specific to the F-16 or equivalent fighter aircraft platform.
• Instructional Support Experience: Experience supporting training development, instructor-led training, technical curriculum review, or maintenance qualification programs is preferred.
• Civilian Certifications: FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification or other recognized aviation maintenance credentials are advantageous but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of F-16 hydraulic system principles, components, servicing, and maintenance requirements
• Strong troubleshooting skills related to aircraft hydraulic systems
• Understanding of pressure safety, fluid contamination control, and aircraft maintenance safety practices
• Ability to explain technical concepts clearly for XR training development
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical, instructional, and creative teams
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing procedures, 3D content, scripts, and training interactions
• Comfortable supporting remote meetings, technical reviews, and occasional travel as needed

VECTRONA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of individuals assigned to this position.

All Vectrona employment or contractor engagement is contingent upon the individual providing legal proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States and satisfactory background check results, as applicable.

Employment or contractor engagement with Vectrona is conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Vectrona provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. In addition to federal law requirements, Vectrona complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.