Position Description

Position Title: F-35 Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) Readiness Integration & Sustainment Analyst / Subject Matter Expert

Location: Langley AFB, VA (Onsite)

About Us

Paradigm Max Q is redefining defense industry support. Founded in 2023, we combine elite talent, disciplined execution, and innovative thinking to deliver measurable results that improve readiness and reduce costs for the government and warfighter. As a rapidly growing SDVOSB, we are committed to operational excellence, accountability, and building a high-performing organization that delivers exceptional results for our customers. Our mission is to deliver measurable results that strengthen national defense and empower those who serve.

Position Summary

Paradigm Max Q is seeking a highly experienced F-35 Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) Readiness Integration & Sustainment Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support Air Combat Command (ACC/A3) operational readiness and aircrew safety. This position integrates AFE sustainment activities with aircraft modernization timelines, operational requirements, and enterprise sustainment processes to ensure early identification, rapid adjudication, and timely resolution of AFE issues impacting flight operations.

The role requires a senior professional with deep understanding of AFE systems, ALIS, F-35 Supply system, PAIRs, and operational integration who can bridge the gap between operational units, sustainment organizations, and acquisition stakeholders-directly protecting aircrew safety while enabling sustained fleet readiness.

Key Responsibilities

AFE – Configuration Alignment

Track aircraft platform configuration changes impacting AFE systems (e.g., helmets, oxygen systems, life support interfaces, and egress equipment).
Identify risks and conflicts arising from hardware modifications, software updates, and technical data changes affecting AFE compatibility.
Coordinate with JPO, Lockheed Martin, and program offices to resolve AFE-configuration mismatches prior to fielding or operational impact.

Issue Identification & Rapid Resolution

Establish and maintain an enterprise AFE issue tracker aggregating inputs from Wings, Groups, and Squadrons.
Ensure AFE discrepancies are surfaced early, categorized appropriately, and routed to the correct functional or decision authority.
Coordinate resolution actions with Lockheed Martin, JPO functional teams, logistics centers, and program offices.
Monitor issue closure timelines, identify systemic delays, and drive escalations as required to protect safety of flight and readiness.

Operational Integration

Gather and synthesize inputs from AFE shops, flying squadrons, and Wing leadership to inform enterprise planning.
Synchronize AFE timelines with aircraft modification schedules, depot induction windows, and capability upgrades.
Anticipate AFE impacts associated with new basing actions, force structure changes, or capability introductions.

Governance & Communication

Facilitate recurring AFE synchronization forums and working groups across ACC, JPO, and operational units.
Develop and maintain AFE dashboards providing leadership visibility into risks, trends, and execution status.
Prepare senior leader read-aheads, briefs, issue papers, and decision support products.
Elevate AFE issues requiring senior leader decisions with clear COAs and risk trade-offs.

Standards & Compliance

Ensure AFE sustainment activities align with safety-of-flight requirements, Technical Order (TO) updates, and training or qualification needs.
Identify recurring AFE issues and recommend policy, procedural, or governance updates to improve execution.
Support standardization efforts to improve consistency of AFE readiness across operational units.

Deliverables

Deliverables
Enterprise AFE issue tracker with adjudication status and resolution timelines
AFE readiness dashboards and leadership visibility products
Configuration alignment and risk assessment products
Senior leader briefings, decision memoranda, and issue papers
Recommendations for policy, procedural, and execution improvements

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree (required) Master's degree (preferred)

Experience

10+ years supporting F-35 Weapons System and/or DoD aviation operations, AFE, sustainment, or readiness integration
Demonstrated experience working with MAJCOMs, program offices, or operational Wing-level organizations
Experience integrating AFE considerations with aircraft modifications or modernization efforts
Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, configuration management, and technical orders
Experience coordinating across operational, sustainment, and acquisition communities

Technical & Analytical Skills

Strong understanding of AFE systems, sustainment execution, and safety requirements
Ability to assess configuration impacts and readiness risks across multiple stakeholders
Proven capability to manage complex, enterprise-level issues through resolution
Strong analytical skills with disciplined tracking and follow-through
Ability to translate technical AFE issues into senior leader–ready decision support

Software & Tools

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Experience with readiness tracking systems, issue management tools, and dashboard platforms
Familiarity with maintenance, flight safety, or sustainment data systems preferred

Certifications (Preferred)

AFE Craftsman or Superintendent experience
DAU Program Management
DAU Life Cycle Logistics

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret clearance (required)

Soft Skills & Competencies

Strong executive-level written and verbal communication skills
High credibility with aircrew, maintainers, and senior leaders
Ability to lead and integrate efforts across operations, sustainment, and acquisition communities
Self-starter with disciplined suspense management and accountability
Comfortable operating in safety-critical, high-visibility environments
Mission-focused, collaborative mindset centered on protecting aircrew and enabling readiness

Benefits Statement

Paradigm Max Q provides eligible employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; a 401(k)-retirement plan; paid time off (PTO) for vacation; and company-paid holidays. The benefits package also includes reimbursement for a Planet Fitness Black Card membership.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Salary Range (DMV Market)

$100,000 annually – $140,000 annually

Location-Based Compensation

Compensation is determined based on the employee's primary work location, applicable labor market, experience, education, certifications, security clearance, and other job-related factors. Candidates working outside the DMV may receive a different salary range consistent with local market conditions and applicable law.

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