Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory

What does the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory career field do?

Performs and manages repair, calibration, and modification of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE), including precision measurement equipment laboratory (PMEL) standards and automatic test equipment. Supervises the process and use of TMDE to perform voltage, current, power, impedance, frequency, microwave, temperature, physical-dimensional, and optical measurements. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 119800.

Duties and responsibilities

• Inspects, aligns, troubleshoots, and repairs PMEL standards, common and weapon system peculiar TMDE. Inspects TMDE for preventive maintenance, cleanliness, and safety requirements. Performs equipment maintenance using theories of operation, block diagrams, schematics, logic trees, and software diagnostics. Isolates malfunctions to component level. Calibrates and certifies TMDE to technical data specifications ensuring traceability to Air Force Reference Standards. Records and reports maintenance data; prepares technical order improvement reports, special training requests, training quality reports, and modification proposals. Tracks equipment warranties. Provides training and manages technical order distributions. Handles, labels, and disposes of hazardous materials and waste according to environmental standards.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates mission support requirements. Collects and analyzes maintenance data and performs trend analysis. Identifies mission essential TMDE and its impact on workload. Coordinates lateral support, command certification, or contract services. Evaluates procedures for storage, inventory, and inspection of property. Provides training and assistance to TMDE users. Maintains PMEL automated management systems (PAMS).
• Develops and evaluates workload plans, budget, and support agreements. Manages PMEL quality program (QP). Submits reports to higher headquarters and maintains a safe working environment.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: electrical, mechanical, physics, optics, and thermal principles; mathematics, and number systems; operating principles, use, care, and repair of TMDE and laboratory standards; analysis and interpretation of technical data, including block, schematic, wiring, and logic diagrams; troubleshooting techniques; metrology program, calibration traceability, metrology techniques, laboratory practices, software, and computer operations principles; use of hand tools; procedures for training, supply, maintenance data collection, QP, command certification, equipment scheduling, production, and materiel control; facility requirements; and support equipment management.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or General Education Development equivalency is mandatory. Courses in electronics, physics, trigonometry, algebra, and technical or vocational training in electronics and instrumentation are desirable.

Training. For award of AFSC 2P031, completion of a basic PMEL course is mandatory.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 2P051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2P031. Also, experience in functions such as troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, aligning, calibrating, and or certifying TMDE.
• 2P071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2P051. Also, experience in laboratory supervision and planning; advanced troubleshooting, repairing, modifying, and certifying complex TMDE.
• 2P091. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2P071. Also, experience in establishing training programs and requirements; planning supply, facility, and budget requirements; managing the QP; establishing support agreements; and reimbursement procedures.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty:
• Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs: must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $51,610–$85,340 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians: $68,570
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $67,550
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment: $62,010
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay: $85,340
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $59,800
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: $70,240
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers: $62,850
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $58,230
• Medical Equipment Repairers: $51,610
• Quality Control Analysts: $52,460