Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

About the role

Flight Test Engineer (FTE) candidates are sought to lead various research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) primarily on the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), but other TPS aircraft as required. Duty location is at Edwards AFB. This position will be required to start between October 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Technical coordination of the modifications to the aircraft – with other X-62 project support organizations/personnel during the Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62 (May 2026 to approximately March 2027).
• Clock the aircraft’s mod schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and with 412TW/AFTC when required.
• Develop X-62 system proposal/change requests, and evolve system requirements/needs for the MSU modifications.
• Research-focused, operations engineering associated with the X-62 aircraft (post-MSU modifications), which include:
• Aid the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) to coordinate research efforts and their associated test missions efforts that could utilize the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs).
• Manage aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling.
• Conduct/Test Execution - Conductor/Director duties.
• Write/test plans and safety plans, coordinate/approvals.
• Develop/test cards, coordinate/approvals.
• Other duties in-line with MTSI’s core value to “Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems”.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in all phases of planning, executing, and managing flight tests and a reputation of being a team player.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare – including AESA radar, IRST, EO/IR imaging, radar warning receivers.
• Experience with DoD Class II modification processes, aircraft airworthiness & approvals, and aircraft H/W & S/W configuration control.
• Experience with AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems.
• Experience leading research programs within the military flight test domain.
• Experience running or executing missions from a Mission Control Room.
• Skills & experience necessary to achieve qualification for test conductor/director (TC/TD).
• Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings, and oversee team of discipline engineers to support Flight Test Operations.
• Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Skilled in making valued, trusted, defendable recommendations to leadership.
• Experience generating test plans, flight test mission material, post-mission & detailed final reports.

Qualifications

• Required - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (must have 20+ yrs of relevant work experience).
• Desired - Master’s degree in a STEM field (must have 15+ yrs of relevant work experience).
• Travel up to 10% may be required for this position.
• Secret clearance is required.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• US Citizenship is required.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position in California is $170,000/year to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered.