Justin Knappenberger
Piney Point,MD
Summary
Experienced Telecommunications Specialist and EMC/E3 Test Lead with 14+ years supporting military aircraft, avionics systems, RF communications, and weapons integration within NAVAIR and Department of Defense environments. Proven expertise in Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3/EMC) testing, EMI troubleshooting, telecommunications systems, avionics integration, and developmental test operations supporting F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, and T-45 aircraft platforms. Skilled in test planning, execution, technical reporting, RF spectrum coordination, and cross-functional collaboration in high-tempo operational environments. Active Top Secret Security Clearance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Telecommunications Specialist / EMC Test Lead
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
Patuxent River, MD
11.2023 - Current
- Lead and support Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3/EMC) testing for F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, T-45 aircraft, weapons systems, and communication platforms.
- Develop, coordinate, and execute EMC/E3 test procedures, test plans, and technical reports for developmental and operational test events.
- Coordinate chamber and open-air test events with engineers, program offices, aircrew, maintainers, and range personnel.
- Troubleshoot electromagnetic interference (EMI), avionics integration, RF interference, and system compatibility issues during aircraft and weapons testing.
- Support spectrum management, RF deconfliction, and telecommunications integration efforts across multiple aviation platforms and test programs.
- Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations to improve system performance, mission effectiveness, and platform interoperability.
- Support programs requiring compliance with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, and other electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
- Coordinate with government engineers, contractors, and military personnel to ensure mission success and schedule execution.
Engineering Technician
KBR
Patuxent River, MD
10.2019 - 11.2023
- Performed Electromagnetic Environmental Effects testing on F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, T-45 aircraft, and associated weapons systems.
- Collaborated with engineers in the development and execution of EMC/E3 test plans, procedures, and reports.
- Provided technical coordination and support for EMC test events and troubleshooting efforts.
- Diagnosed EMI-related issues and assisted in developing corrective actions and system improvements.
- Supported multiple aircraft and avionics integration programs in laboratory, chamber, and open-air test environments.
- Conducted technical research and gathered engineering data related to aircraft systems and test configurations.
Avionics Technician
DynCorp International
Patuxent River, MD
08.2016 - 10.2019
- Provided avionics maintenance and troubleshooting support for EA-18G aircraft during anechoic chamber testing operations.
- Performed maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting on F/A-18 and EA-18G avionics and electrical systems.
- Diagnosed ALQ-218 malfunctions, software configuration issues, and communication system discrepancies.
- Installed and repaired wiring, connectors, antennas, control boxes, and avionics components.
- Tested aircraft electrical systems and equipment to ensure compliance with operational and maintenance standards.
- Served as ESD Program Manager supporting maintenance safety and compliance requirements.
Ride Mechanic
Dorney Park
Allentown, PA
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Performed daily inspections, preventative maintenance, and rehabilitation of amusement park rides and roller coaster systems.
- Conducted mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repair activities.
- Certified Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Inspector.
Aviation Electronics Technician
United States Navy
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Served as an Aviation Electronics Technician supporting F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft systems and operations.
- Maintained and troubleshot communications, navigation, RADAR, and weapons systems.
- Performed electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical troubleshooting and repair activities.
- Qualified on multiple ground support and electronic test equipment systems.
- Supported operational readiness through maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting of mission-critical aircraft systems.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Maintenance Electricity
Triangle Tech
Bethlehem, PASkills
- Conducted electromagnetic environmental effects (E3/EMC) testing to support system compliance
- Assisted with EMI/RF troubleshooting and analysis to identify and resolve issues
- Supported telecommunications systems to enhance operational efficiency
- Participated in developmental test and evaluation processes for various projects
- Gained familiarity with MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-464 standards
- Contributed to avionics systems integration to ensure seamless functionality
- Assisted with RF communications systems to improve performance
- Supported technical report development to document testing outcomes
- Aided in test planning and execution to meet project milestones
- Provided spectrum coordination support to facilitate regulatory compliance
- Assisted with aircraft maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure safety
- Helped with network configuration and management to optimize connectivity
Certification
- Active Top Secret Security Clearance
- Aviation Warfare Apprentice Training
- Conventional Weapons Release Systems Test (F/A-18E/F)
- Introduction to LASERS and LASER Safety
- Aviation Electronics Technician Organizational Apprentice Training
- F/A-18E/F Wire Bundle and Connector Repair
- Organizational Maintenance Avionics Systems Training
- Basic Corrosion Control Training
Timeline
Telecommunications Specialist / EMC Test Lead
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)
11.2023 - Current
Engineering Technician
KBR
10.2019 - 11.2023
Avionics Technician
DynCorp International
08.2016 - 10.2019
Ride Mechanic
Dorney Park
08.2015 - 08.2016
Aviation Electronics Technician
United States Navy
01.2011 - 01.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Maintenance Electricity
Triangle Tech