Edwin Karst
Minot AFB,ND
Summary
Results-driven leader with extensive experience in multiple armament system platforms, known for fostering teamwork, enhancing training, and problem-solving. Proven in managing complex programs and optimizing performance to achieve strategic short and long term objectives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Armament Support Section Chief
USAF
Minot AFB, ND
04.2025 - Current
- Led 110 personnel providing planning and execution for diverse mission sets across armament production and support environments.
- Oversaw 25 programs, ensuring compliance with hazardous waste protocols and logistics readiness standards.
- Developed strategic security and team augmentee initiatives to enhance team performance and mission readiness.
- Analyzed deficiency reports and upchanneled actionable data on a $4.3 million dollar equipment inventory to higher headquarters, maximizing future recapitalization efforts for strategical action plans.
Weapons Loading Lead
USAF
Minot AFB, ND
10.2023 - 04.2025
- Mentored 89 junior personnel on advanced weapons technologies, providing groundwork logistics for weapons loading certifications, mentoring nine skill developmental upgrades and knowledge transfer within the team.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Collaborated with five agency's on an eight week pre-inspection plan, executed Nuclear Inspection flawlessly.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Weapons Maintenance Lead
USAF
Minot AFB, ND
07.2022 - 10.2023
- Supervised maintenance operations for 89 personnel ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
- Directed deficiency reporting and technical data changes
on seven critical missile loading equipment structural cracks during routine inspections. - Implemented preventive maintenance programs on tool kits and heavy equipment transfer items, minimizing emergency repairs and extending equipment lifespan.
- Coordinated with engineering team to facilitate field level critical aircraft weapon system equipment refurbishment.
Weapons Expediter
USAF
Minot AFB, ND
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Led 89 personnel across two maintenance units, managed nuclear and conventional weapon system maintenance and loading operations for 27 B-52H aircraft.
- Worked with cross-functional teams in identifying critical mechanical or software issues, reducing turnaround times for daily flying hour program requirements.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under high-pressure situations during nuclear generation of aircraft while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of weapons expediting duties.
- Led an aircraft weapons jettison system deactivation modernization project.
Armament Maintenance Floor Supervisor
USAF
Minot AFB, ND
08.2018 - 01.2022
- Supervised 33 personnel on three shift work cycles during inspection and repair of over four thousand Alternate Mission Equipment items, guided complex operations and ensured compliance with regulations and protocols.
- Scheduled, validated, and documented equipment inspections and data inputs utilizing Integrated Maintenance Data Systems.
- Conducted regular inspections to maintain equipment functionality and workplace safety.
- Oversaw a 149 million dollar weapons suspension equipment upgrade, enabling equipment employment by 50%.
Quality Assurance Inspector
USAF
Nellis AFB, NV
05.2015 - 04.2018
- Conducted thorough inspections of Air Combat Command's largest Maintenance Evaluation and Standardization Program. Developed comprehensive reports detailing inspection findings for review by leadership teams.
- Aircraft Impoundment program manager validating investigation defects and recommended corrective actions to enhance aircraft systems/flight quality and reliability.
- Collaborated with flight engineering teams to advance Operational Check Flight/Functional Check Flight checklist protocols.
- Maintained aircraft Weight and Balance account tracking over nine thousand replaceable equipment items for 18 aircraft profiles.
Weapons Maintenance Team Chief
USAF
Nellis AFB, NV
05.2013 - 05.2015
- Led operational planning and execution for configuring and maintaining 18 HH-60G armament systems mission-critical projects for three distinct operational squadrons.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to streamline tracking gun systems worth $1.7M.
- Oversaw resource allocation, directed one-time inspection on 74 ammunition chutes, optimizing utilization while maintaining operational readiness across various missions.
Weapons Standardization Lead Crew Member
USAF
Nellis AFB, NV
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Administered A-10C Loading Standardization Training/Evaluation Program for 36 personnel. Trained and mentored new personnel on equipment usage and team workflow procedures.
- Nuclear Certified Equipment inventory management lead, validated accuracy in stock/conditions tracking of 39 items of munition support equipment.
Weapons Load Crew Member
USAF
Nellis AFB, NV
06.2008 - 01.2011
- Propelled Thunder Aircraft Maintenance Unit generation efforts of 13 assigned A-10C aircraft valued at $266M. Conducted thorough inspections and collaborated with team members to load and unload aircraft on 17 different munitions efficiently and safely.
- Operated specialized equipment for munitions handling, ensuring adherence to Tactics, Training, and procedures.
Armament Maintenance Technician
USAF
Osan Air Base, Republic Of Korea
05.2007 - 05.2008
- Conducted inspections and maintenance of A-10C/F-16 Rails, Launcher, Pylons, and Gun Systems to identify potential issues.
- Assisted in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical wire harness systems.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL10-2021
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Data entry
- Mentoring
- Staff training/development
Certification
- Weight and Balance Certified - January 2016
Timeline
Armament Support Section Chief
USAF
04.2025 - Current
Weapons Loading Lead
USAF
10.2023 - 04.2025
Weapons Maintenance Lead
USAF
07.2022 - 10.2023
Weapons Expediter
USAF
01.2022 - 07.2022
Armament Maintenance Floor Supervisor
USAF
08.2018 - 01.2022
Quality Assurance Inspector
USAF
05.2015 - 04.2018
Weapons Maintenance Team Chief
USAF
05.2013 - 05.2015
Weapons Standardization Lead Crew Member
USAF
02.2011 - 05.2013
Weapons Load Crew Member
USAF
06.2008 - 01.2011
Armament Maintenance Technician
USAF
05.2007 - 05.2008
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force