Test Operations Support Lead

Torch Technologies

Thank you for your interest in employment with Torch Technologies. We are a 100% employee-owned, Certified Great Place To Work and named Best Places to Work in Huntsville/Madison County, headquartered in Huntsville, AL. Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal Government and Department of War.

As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men and women who serve our country. Our corporate mission sums up the pride our employee-owners take in the work we do: "Lighting the Pathway of Freedom". And, as a Certified Evergreen ESOP, we have made the commitment to grow and sustain our company for the next 100 years! Come grow with us!

Torch Technologies is seeking a hands-on Test Operations Support Lead to direct and supervise ground operations, asset movement, and test execution procedures in support of weapon systems, ground test articles, and aerospace support equipment.

In this role, you will lead floor and field operations to ensure test assets and hazardous materials are safely transported, staged, secured, and handled in strict compliance with operational and technical safety standards. The ideal candidate brings extensive operational experience in physical test support, heavy equipment and rigging supervision, range logistics, and secure handling of sensitive defense hardware.

The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) Nuclear Weapons Acquisition Division (AFNWC/NDB), resident at Eglin AFB, Florida, serves as the System Program Office (SPO) supported by this operational role.

As a Test Operations Support Lead, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Supervision of Test Procedures: Oversee the direct on-site execution of test setup, ground runs, pre-test checklists, and teardown procedures in accordance with technical orders and safety protocols.
• Asset Movement & Range Logistics: Plan, supervise, and execute the physical movement and staging of test vehicles, weapon systems, munitions mockups, and specialized ground support equipment across ranges, labs, and hangars.
• Heavy Equipment & Crane Directing: Serve as the on-site director and signal person for overhead and mobile crane lifting operations; supervise rigging, lift plans, and precision placement of high-value, sensitive hardware.
• Truck Loading & Material Handling: Supervise flatbed and tactical transport truck loading, tie-down, chocking, and shoring operations; ensure all payload securement adheres to military and DOT transport standards.
• Security & Classified Asset Control: Enforce operational and physical security measures at test sites, staging pads, and transport routes; maintain strict custody control and escort procedures for classified and sensitive test articles.
• Pre-/Post-Test Operational Briefs: Lead daily operational tailgate briefings, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and post-operation debriefs with support crews, technicians, riggers, and range personnel.
• Safety & Hazard Mitigation: Direct on-scene hazard controls, including explosive safety standoff enforcement, ordnance grounding, spill prevention, and emergency response readiness.
• Facility & Support Equipment Readiness: Inspect and verify the operational readiness of ground support equipment, hoists, slings, tow vehicles, and test stands prior to test activities.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience in military, aerospace, or industrial test support operations, ground logistics, or heavy material handling.
• Rigging & Crane Direction: Demonstrated experience directing crane lifts, calculating rigging capacities, and utilizing standard hand signals for mobile and overhead crane operations.
• Cargo Securement: Strong practical knowledge of freight securement, palletizing, cargo tie-down methods, and transport loading standards.
• Operational Safety & Security: Familiarity with flight line, test range, or explosive safety regulations and physical security procedures for classified materials.
• Leadership & Initiative: Proven ability to direct field crews, enforce strict checklist discipline under dynamic range conditions, and resolve operational bottlenecks on-site.
• Communication: Clear verbal communication skills necessary for live radio communications, crane spotting, team safety briefings, and incident reporting.
• Security Clearance: Active Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) is required.

Preferred Skills

• Forklift operator certification or prior experience operating Material Handling Equipment (MHE), including rough-terrain and high-capacity forklifts.
• Certified Crane Rigger / Signal Person qualification (e.g., NCCCO or military equivalent).
• Prior experience supporting flight line, range, or weapons loading operations at Eglin AFB or other DoD test complexes.
• Background in handling air-dropped weapons, bomb racks, missile launchers, or related aerospace ground equipment (AGE).
• Experience working with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) packaging, transport, and staging.
• Schedule: (M-F; 8-5)
• Work Location: Onsite at Eglin AFB, FL
• Travel: 0-10%
• Relocation Assistance Available: No
• Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No
• #LI-AP1

Benefits

Torch Technologies is proud to offer a stable and professional work environment, a competitive salary, and an excellent, comprehensive benefit package including: ESOP participation, 401(k) match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts, EAP, education assistance, paid time off, and holidays.

Applying to Torch Technologies

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at Torch Technologies is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.