PCON System Support Specialist

ASRC Federal requires a Part-Time PCON Programmer that provides specialized software support for Aerojet-developed PCON control systems operating within AFRL test facilities. This position is an as-needed, part-time role that supports the maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhancement of legacy and active control system software used for mission-critical aerospace testing, including high-altitude and vacuum chamber operations. This position will support the Air Force Research Lab, Edwards, AFB, CA.  on the ASTROS Contract.

The programmer will provide technical expertise on a scheduled or on-call basis to resolve software issues, support test operations, and assist with system improvements. The position requires deep familiarity with proprietary PCON architecture and the ability to sustain system functionality in environments where documentation, source code availability, and vendor support may be limited or evolving.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide part-time technical support for existing PCON software developed by Aerojet to support AFRL test operations.
• Maintain and modify legacy PCON software as requested to resolve operational issues and improve system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve software defects, system instabilities, and control logic issues within legacy codebases.
• Support software updates required to address known bugs and operational limitations.
• Collaborate with AFRL engineers, technicians, and government stakeholders to implement system improvements.
• Analyze system performance and recommend enhancements to improve reliability and maintainability.
• Assist in reverse engineering and documenting existing PCON software where formal documentation is incomplete.
• Support integration of PCON systems with facility hardware, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Participate in system testing, validation, and operational readiness activities as requested.
• Ensure proper configuration management and version control of software modifications.
• Provide on-site and/or remote technical support during scheduled test operations and troubleshooting activities.
• Coordinate with Aerojet or third-party vendors when additional technical support or clarification is required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience) and 15 overall years of experience
• Direct experience with PCON systems or comparable real-time industrial control systems.
• Strong programming experience in C, C++, Python, or similar languages used in control environments.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and sustain legacy software systems with limited documentation.
• Experience working in aerospace or industrial test facility environments.
• Strong understanding of control systems, instrumentation, and hardware/software integration.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and system architecture diagrams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required security credentials, if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting Aerojet-developed PCON systems within Air Force Research Laboratory test facilities.
• Familiarity with AFRL high-altitude or vacuum chamber test infrastructure.
• Experience supporting aging or unsupported control system software.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems and real-time monitoring tools.
• Experience with software configuration management and version control.
• Understanding of DoD cybersecurity requirements (RMF, STIG compliance).
• Experience supporting system sustainment, contract transitions, or technical knowledge transfer.

Work Schedule

• Part-time, on-call position.
• Work is performed on an as-needed basis to support facility operations, software maintenance, troubleshooting, and scheduled testing.
• Hours will vary depending on operational requirements and may include occasional evenings or weekends during active test campaigns.
• Remote support may be performed when practical; however, on-site support will be required for certain troubleshooting and testing activities.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, control room, and industrial test facility settings.
• Work may involve supporting high-value aerospace test operations requiring strict adherence to safety and operational procedures.
• Position may require periodic access to government facilities.

Additional Considerations

• This is a part-time consulting/support position and is not intended to provide full-time employment.
• Work is performed on an as-needed basis in support of AFRL testing and PCON system sustainment.
• The role may involve working with incomplete or restricted access to original source code.
• Primary emphasis is on system sustainment, operational continuity, risk mitigation, and resolving software issues that impact test readiness.
• Candidate must be comfortable operating in an environment where long-term ownership of the system and documentation continues to evolve.

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

EEO Statement

ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.