Senior Flight Test Engineer

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute system-level T&E of hardware and software with emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
• Work closely with program management and other engineering departments to develop requirements, and discuss test results to include collected data and observations.
• Perform safety and risk analysis for testing events.
• Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Generate evaluation test plans and reports focusing on system functionality and suitability of software and hardware integration efforts. In addition to technical test planning, planning includes safety (risk, hazards, develop mitigations) and logistical (available hardware, airspace, personnel resources, timeline/scheduling).
• Generate and execute test cards, conduct pre and post flight briefings, and manage test events with diverse support teams (pilots, engineering subject matter experts (SME), operations). Testing execution will include operating Altius when conducting system evaluation testing.
• Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
• Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
• Collect metrics for flight test events to include sortie information and delays.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Must play in active role in strengthening communication channels both within the team and externally (engineering, program leadership, operations).
• Methodical, thorough, and detail oriented.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
• Willingness to learn new skills and concepts.
• Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification.
• Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 61: Certification Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (ground test complete is the ONLY requirement).
• Previous experience or working knowledge of National Airspace and UAS operating guidelines and regulations.
• Able to obtain a security clearance.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• Able to travel as required for planning and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux based operating systems, networking, ssh, and command line.
• 5+ years flight test engineering or system level testing experience.
• Knowledge and experience with Group 2/3 fixed wing systems.
• Experience working DOD programs.

Pay

US Salary Range: $126,000 - $167,000 USD

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate testing needs.