Advanced Target Engineer

About the Role

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for an Advanced Engineer supporting the Missile Defense Agency’s Director of Test (DT) Target Test Directorate at the Von Braun Complex on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Astrion is at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and supports the MDA’s rigorous operational and developmental testing. This work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians supporting the development and delivery of threat-relevant, cost-effective target solutions for Missile Defense System testing.

Location: Huntsville, AL (Redstone Arsenal)
Job Status: Full-time
Clearance: Secret (must be eligible to obtain and maintain)
Travel: Up to 30%

Responsibilities

The Advanced Target Engineer will support the Final Integration Engineering Government Test Lead to ensure successful assembly, integration, and testing of MDA targets, specifically air-launched targets deployed from a C-17. The candidate will support air-launch target flight activities at Forward Staging Areas.

• Support all Target Design Reviews, Range Integration Working Group (RIWG), Mission Planning Meetings, Range Safety Working Groups, and other technical reviews per the MDS Flight Test CONOP.
• Work with Air Force Base personnel to determine availability of sites and resources for respective Target Program office use during mission timelines.
• Potential to fly in an unpressurized environment on the C-17 as a backup flyer to Government personnel, relaying MDA mission-critical information to/from C-17 and ground launch crew utilizing Roll-on Communications System (ROCS) via UHF and satellite paths during C-17 flight operations (would require Class III FAA flight certification).
• Maintain a library of briefing documents used to control access to the flight line and C-17/Target system during integration and check-out activities.
• Support the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP) process, including peer and directorate-level review of mission test design.
• Provide Target Test Execution inputs for IMTP development.
• Coordinate with the Test Planning Team and Target Program Offices to determine the best location for Forward Staging Areas based on Target drop point and trajectory requirements.
• Develop contract documentation such as Support Agreements and IAR/PD to support Forward Staging Area operation requirements.
• Develop documentation of Forward Staging Area Infrastructure requirements needed to support operations.

Requirements

• MA/MS in a related field (BA/BS with five years of additional relevant experience may be substituted).
• 10 years of recent relevant experience.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, professional environment with the ability to adjust to short-notice requirement changes, deadlines, shifting schedules, competing priorities, and unpredictable events.

Skills

Highly Desired:

• Ability to acquire a Class III FAA flight certification.
• In-depth knowledge of the Missile Defense System (MDS) capability.
• In-depth knowledge of MDA test planning, processes, and execution.
• Experience in developing standardized plans, processes, and checklists.
• Self-motivated with strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment.
• Proficient with Windows-based PC software (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams).