Principal Test Operations Engineer

Responsibilities

• Function as the Operations lead within the project, taking ownership in the planning and execution of tasks pertaining to capability and system checkouts and commissioning efforts of new aero-test facilities.
• Develop validation and verification testing procedures and oversee execution.
• Guide in site development requirements.
• Guide development of new facility Safety Programs guided by MIL-STD-882E, including the development of the System Safety Plan (SSP), Preliminary Hazard List (PHL), Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Hazard Analysis (HA).
• Guide development of acceptance test procedures, and standard operational procedures.
• Assist with new facility design and drawing development focusing on test operations and maintenance.
• Work alongside project teams and provide inputs to new facility design driven by Concept of Operations CONOPS requirements (test throughput requirements/goals).
• Develop Test Plans and work instructions for commissioning new facilities.
• Develop CONOPs documents for new facilities.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in engineering projects pertinent to the responsibilities listed above.
• 5+ years of experience working directly in a wind tunnel facility/environment.

Preferred Education / Experience

• Preferred Knowledge / Ability:
• Deep understanding of engineering principles, including mechanical, electromechanical, and aerospace systems design, test, and evaluation.
• Experience as an aerodynamic test engineer will help overall understanding of the role.
• Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to define complex problems, analyze data, interpret abstract concepts, and develop effective solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams from project conception to completion, guiding teams through planning, execution, and delivery phases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with System Safety Analysis (SSA), Safety Review Board (SRB) and Operational Readiness Review (ORR).
• Experience writing work instructions and Checkout/Test Plans for facility checkouts.
• Experience writing Test Plans for customer test programs.
• Experience writing System Safety Hazard Analysis (SSHA).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and engineering-related software tools.

Qualifications

• Active U.S. security clearance strongly preferred; candidates must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain a clearance.