Life Support Investigator

SNA International seeks a Life Support Investigator with a strong work ethic to join our team. Our team works together in pursuit of the same cause: building a safe and just world by empowering organizations to use forensics, biometrics, and identity intelligence. 

The successful candidate will provide expertise to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) teams working on investigation and recovery missions on a project basis focusing on artifact recovery and analysis. The position requires active participation in worldwide recoveries and investigations to locate crash and burial sites, or witness canvassing. 

Critical Work Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough on-site evaluations to determine aircraft crash dispersion characteristics and assess areas most likely to yield remains of unaccounted-for U.S personnel.  
• analytical methodologies to ensure all recovered life support artifacts are accurately identified.
• Correlate the site to a specific loss incident if possible; determine if all unaccounted-for personnel (involved in a particular incident) are represented by the evidence recovered; determine if the crash incident was non-survivable. 
• Utilize the unique DPAA mission-related aircraft and life support equipment technical order reference library and update it when possible/necessary.
• Report to and regularly liaise with the Scientific Recovery Expert (SRE) on all matters relevant to life support equipment.
• When deployed, serve as the primary on-site evaluator to determine aircraft crash dispersion characteristics and assess areas most likely to yield remains of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel and perform initial field analysis on recovered aircraft and life support artifacts to determine their origin, if possible.
• Perform peer review and edit detailed analytical reports that accurately identify all aircraft wreckage and life support equipment recovered; correlate the site to a specific loss incident, if possible; determine if all unaccounted-for personnel (involved in a specific incident) are represented by the evidence recovered; and determine if the crash incident was of a non-survivable nature.
• Originate detailed wreckage analysis reports to provide accurate information to U.S. Government agencies and the families of unaccounted-for military personnel. 
• Research and answer specific field requests for information on recovered artifacts from field personnel to rapidly correlate (or disassociate) the items to a particular incident of loss involving U.S. personnel. 
• Assist in preparing and presenting the material evidence component of the Agency's brief to U.S. Government officials, news media, DoD representatives, families and various local and national organizations, as required/directed by the Functional Area Manager.
• Follow the protocols, practices, and guidance provided in the laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedure and by the Lead Evidence Coordinator. 
• Follow all client policies and procedures.  
• Protect the organization’s value by keeping information confidential.  
• Work directly and independently with clients  

Work Environment

• Experience working independently with minimal direction or supervision. 

• Experience supporting and anticipating client needs and demonstrating problem-solving skills. 
• Experience performing tasks under tight deadlines and managing shifting priorities. 
• Able to work well independently and in a team environment. 

Physical Demands 

• Possible exposure to noxious odors, hazardous chemicals, or unexploded ordnance.

• Ability to access information using a computer for up to 4 hours. 
• Ability to work on challenging recovery sites (both foreign and domestic), which may include remote, isolated, and/or austere environments. 
• Ability to spend between 40 and 60 days in the field, sometimes in base camp scenarios where electricity and cell phone service are often limited.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduated from Aircrew Flight Equipment Technical School or Life Support Technical School with 7 level -9 level competency or equivalent. 

• C3ABR12230-000, aircrew life support specialist course, PDS code AQ4 or equivalent 
• J4AJF75000-005, OJT trainer familiarization, PDS code 32W or equivalent 
• C3AZR12250-001, aircrew life support supervisor, PDS code 5ML or equivalent 
• 9INT00570-000, aircrew life support internship adv, PDS code 9000 or equivalent  
• Specific knowledge of Vietnam-era aircraft inventory, aircrew escape and evasion techniques, survival equipment, emergency locator devices, survival radios, emergency signaling devices, flotation equipment, escape systems, flight helmets, oxygen systems, parachutes, survival kits, and theories of operation.  
• Detailed knowledge of analytical methodologies, including aircraft impact/dispersion analysis, aircraft component research techniques, life sciences equipment recognition expertise, and multi-level database searches.    
• Knowledge of aircraft manufacturer parts numbering systems and end item application. 
• Possess strong attention to detail and excellent recordkeeping skills.  
• Possess the ability to prioritize responsibilities, multi-task, and work well under pressure.  
• Proficient in MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and digital photography.  
• Highly organized and detail oriented.

Interested Foreign Nationals: 

Foreign Nationals may be considered for this position.  All foreign nationals must demonstrate that they have lived in the United States for 3 of the past 5 years and have a US Social Security Number. These requirements must be met to move forward with the application process.

Please submit a cover letter along with your CV. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

SNA International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.