Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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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, AL
10-2021

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