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Posted 31 July, 2026

Department Manager - China Lake

JT4 LLC
Ridgecrest, CA, US Full Time

Job Description

JT4, LLC provides engineering and technical support to multiple western test ranges for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Navy under the Joint Range Technical Services Contract, better known as J-Tech II. JT4 develops and maintains realistic, integrated test and training environments and prepares our nation's war-fighting aircraft, weapons systems, and aircrews for today's missions and tomorrow's global challenges. JT4, LLC is looking for a highly experienced department manager that comes from a DoD environment to run a technical department to oversee target training operations to support the war fighter mission. Technically, the incumbent will be proficient with electro-mechanical installation/maintenance procedures. Administratively, the incumbent is well versed with project management tasks to include budgeting, quality assurance, and process improvement. **An ideal candidate will have an active Secret clearance** **This position is located at China Lake and is not eligible for telework** RANGE POSITION DESCRIPTION Individual should have prior experience performing UXO duties or have knowledge of USN UXO policies and procedures. Individual should have experience in budgeting and forecasting for materials and labor Individual should have hands-on experience leading the development, operations and sustainment of ground based mobile targets. Individual should have experience in developing fixed targets using various materials such as metal, steel and concrete Individual should have experience leading teams that operate, maintain and sustain: electrical systems to include photovoltaic sites; gas and diesel vehicles; gas and diesel generators and battery powered generator JOB DUTIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS A Department Manager serves as the manager of a technical or administrative-focused department and is responsible for the organization, tasking, prioritization, and supervision of all personnel within the section. Employee leads the section and directs and administers the programs of a technical and administrative nature to accomplish the functional task and overall development of the section. Employee will be responsible to perform the following functions/duties: Establish technical and procedural guidelines to meet the needs of the work unit/section in accordance with company and customer requirements Manage the technical performance of work assigned to the department Maintain current operational status information and assessments on projects, budgets, and development plans Evaluate and make adjustments in procedures or reassign priorities to projects/tasks as needed to keep all activities on schedule and within budgetary limits Oversee and monitor unit compliance with Quality Assurance and process improvement goals and standards Assure appropriate training is provided to unit personnel to promote continuous improvement of services to the customer Interview potential new job candidates and make decisions or recommend personnel actions such as hiring, discipline, and termination Interact and coordinate with the customer on a personal basis, as required, to ensure all customer requirements or agreements are being met to their satisfaction Periodically evaluate the performance of all subordinate supervisors and scientific or technical professionals Perform a variety of other related managerial tasks as needed or as requested by the range manager or other senior managers Perform other job-related duties, as required. REQUIREMENTS - EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, AND WORK EXPERIENCE A bachelor's degree, or equivalent formal academic or technical training and experience, and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of advanced management obtained through formal or self-study, or in-depth working knowledge of related career fields such as technical trades or scientific and engineering professions and 12 years of experience in one of the related fields and a minimum of four years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role are required for this position. In addition, a Department Manager I must possess the following qualifications: Understanding of the operational philosophy and business nature of the company Familiar with computer-based management tools Excellent verbal and written communication skills Planning/organizational skills Ability to work under deadlines. SALARY The expected salary range for this position is $142,418 to $157,418 annually. Note: The salary range offered for this position is a good faith description of the expected salary range this role will pay. JT4, LLC considers factors such as (but not limited to) responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer. BENEFITS Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Benefits Active on Day 1 Life Insurance Health Savings Accounts/FSA's Disability Insurance Paid Time Off 401(k) Plan Options with Employer Match JT4 will match 50% up to an 8% contribution 100% Immediate Vesting Tuition Reimbursement OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to their job. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds), constant sitting while using the computer terminal, constant use of sight abilities while reviewing documents, constant use of speech/hearing abilities for communication, and constant mental alertness are required. Travel to remote company work locations may be required. DISCLAIMER The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of persons so classified. Tasking is in support of a Federal Government Contract that requires U.S. citizenship. Some jobs may require a candidate to be eligible for a government security clearance, state-issued driver's license, or other licenses/certifications, and the inability to obtain and maintain the required clearance, license, or certification may affect an employee's ability to maintain employment. SCC: JABO33; A4CLR