Joseph D. Maldonado
NCOIC, Thunderbird Quality Assurance
Nellis
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Avionics Specialist and Leader with over a decade of experience in integrated aircraft systems maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring operational readiness. Expertise in leading technical teams, implementing comprehensive quality assurance and safety programs, and resolving complex malfunctions for high-value F-16CM aircraft. Proven track record of enhancing mission capabilities while achieving substantial cost savings. Committed to driving innovation and excellence in avionics operations to support organizational objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
QA NCOIC
USAFADS "Thunderbirds" (ACC)
12.2024 - Current
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. established technical orders & standards to ensure the safety & reliability of 13 F-16s & 14 Pratt & Whitney -229 engines valued at $515M.
- Executes the squadron's Maintenance Standardization & Evaluation Program for 142 personnel & investigates mishaps.
- Identifies maintenance trends & advises process improvements to senior leadership, while overseeing 1.5K inspections in support of 34 annual demonstration TDYs, representing 690K Total Force Airmen.
NCOIC, Thunderbird Avionics
USAFADS "Thunderbirds" (ACC)
12.2023 - Current
- Oversees 5 NCOs in the execution of maintenance & troubleshooting on 13 F-16 Block 52 aircraft & 14 Pratt & Whitney -229 engines valued at $535M.
- Coordinates with the Production section & engineers on aircraft repairs, modifications, time changes & one-time inspections.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Managed the execution of 34 TDYs & 70 shows to showcase Air Force capabilities & represents 690K Total Force Airmen in support of the Department of Defense’s recruiting & retention efforts.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Integrated Avionics Craftsman
79th Fighter Generation Squadron (ACC)
02.2022 - 01.2023
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills in rapidly diagnosing complex electrical malfunctions within intricate avionics networks. Led threat warn system antenna replacement safing the aircraft for a POTUS directed mission.
- Develops, implements, & monitors self-inspection, training, safety, and Aircraft Structural Integrity Program accuracy.
- Evaluated new avionics technologies and equipment for potential integration into existing aircraft systems, recommending the most suitable options based on cost-effectiveness, compatibility, and performance benefits.
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Provides advanced mx trng to include theory of operation, servicing, and repairs for 79 F-16CM acft valued at $2.2B.
- Conducts formal/informal classroom trng and provides specialized trng sessions as requested by the host MXG units.
- Supports ACC, PACAF en route, Air National Guard, Air Reserve Component, allied nations and civilian trng prgms.
- Serves as subject-matter expert and provides mx trng support to resolve trng deficiencies and shortfalls within the wg.
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Provides advanced mx trng to include theory of operation, servicing, and repairs for 79 F-16CM acft valued at $2.2B.
- Conducts formal/informal classroom trng and provides specialized trng sessions as requested by the host MXG units.
- Supports ACC, PACAF en route, Air National Guard, Air Reserve Component, allied nations and civilian trng prgms.
- Serves as subject-matter expert and provides mx trng support to resolve trng deficiencies and shortfalls within the wg.
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Provides advanced mx trng to include theory of operation, servicing, and repairs for 79 F-16CM acft valued at $2.2B.
- Conducts formal/informal classroom trng and provides specialized trng sessions as requested by the host MXG units.
- Supports ACC, PACAF en route, Air National Guard, Air Reserve Component, allied nations and civilian trng prgms.
- Serves as subject-matter expert and provides mx trng support to resolve trng deficiencies and shortfalls within the wg.
Integrated Avionics Systems Journeyman
20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (ACC)
02.2014 - 01.2018
- Inspects, troubleshoots, and repairs avionics system malfunctions on 26 assigned F-16CM aircraft valued at $1.1B.
- Removes, installs, and boresights externally mounted targeting pod systems; ensures accurate delivery of munitions.
- Maintains Electronic Countermeasure Pods/Radar Threat Warning Systems; heightens aircraft combat survivability.
- Performs Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) modifications; enhances platform's performance capabilities.
F-16 Avionics Systems Apprentice
8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (PACAF)
07.2012 - 03.2014
- Identifies/isolates malfunctions; replaces wire and electrical connectors using technical data and test equipment.
- Submits procedure improvement recommendations; routes deficiency reports on faulty aircraft parts as required.
- Maintains and repairs fire/flight control, instrument, communication, navigation and penetration aid systems.
Basic Enlisted Airman
AIR FORCE
07.2012 - 09.2012
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA 05.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science - Avionics Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Maxwell AFB, Gun 05.2001 -
Skills
- Avionics systems expertise
- Maintenance and troubleshooting expertise
- Team leadership and project management
- Curriculum development and classroom training
- Regulatory compliance expertise
Accomplishments
As NCOIC, Thunderbird Avionics, I earned the Air Space Commendation Medal for strategically managing maintenance operations for 13 F-16s and 14 engines (valued at $535M), directly supporting 34 TDYs and 70 annual air shows. I personally diagnosed and repaired a critical indicator gauge anomaly within one hour, saving $4.2M in engine replacement costs. Leading a team of 130 Airmen, I overhauled maintenance standardization, rectifying 134 Category I violations and pioneering an Impound Official course that certified 8 SNCOs. This leadership, combined with managing a 5-day aircraft rebuild and resolving 30 delayed discrepancies, reduced Non-Mission Capable (NMC) time by 10% and boosted the unit's maintenance evaluation pass rate to 90%, significantly bolstering flight safety and mission readiness.
Certification
CCAF Instructor Certification level I
Timeline
QA NCOIC
USAFADS "Thunderbirds" (ACC)
12.2024 - Current
NCOIC, Thunderbird Avionics
USAFADS "Thunderbirds" (ACC)
12.2023 - Current
Integrated Avionics Craftsman
79th Fighter Generation Squadron (ACC)
02.2022 - 01.2023
CCAF Instructor Certification level 2
12-2020
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2020 - 01.2021
CCAF Instructor Certification level I
12-2019
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2018 - 01.2019
F-16 Avionics Instructor
372d Training Squadron, Detachment 2 (AETC)
02.2018 - 01.2019
Integrated Avionics Systems Journeyman
20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (ACC)
02.2014 - 01.2018
F-16 Avionics Systems Apprentice
8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (PACAF)
07.2012 - 03.2014
Basic Enlisted Airman
AIR FORCE
07.2012 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
ECPI University
05.2001 -
Associate of Applied Science - Avionics Maintenance Technology
Community College of The Air Force
05.2001 -
Awards
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Space Commendation Medal first Oak leaf Cluster
- Air Space Commendation Medal second Oak leaf Cluster
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Air Force Achievement Medal first Oak leaf Cluster
Training
2A374, Operates integrated avionics systems to determine operation condition. Interprets equipment operations to isolate malfunctions in systems such as attack control, instrument, flight control, communications, navigation, and penetration aids. Traces data flow and wiring diagrams. Inspects, troubleshoots, and maintains aircraft wiring systems. Uses built-in test functions, electronic measuring equipment, support aerospace ground equipment (AGE), and hand tools. Monitors equipment performance and detects and analyzes malfunctions. Removes, installs, aligns, and checks integrated avionics systems. Removes and installs line replaceable units and aligns systems. Operationally checks externally mounted avionics equipment. Boresights systems. Performs intermediate or organizational maintenance level modifications. Inspects integrated avionics systems, posts entries, and maintains inspection and maintenance records. Inspects avionics systems and determines operational status. Interprets inspection findings and determines corrective action adequacy. Reviews maintenance management publications and procedures to obtain avionics systems information. Recommends methods to improve equipment performance and maintenance procedures. Uses automated maintenance systems. Inputs, validates, and analyzes data processed to automated systems. Clears and closes out completed maintenance discrepancies in automated maintenance systems.