Senior Test Engineer & Manager

Role Overview

The Senior Test Engineer & Manager for AFWERX leads multiple simultaneous ground and flight test efforts that support innovative small businesses developing emerging aerospace technologies through the Air Force SBIR/STTR program. The candidate will meet with startup teams to guide test planning, review technical and safety documentation, coordinate with Air Force Research Laboratory Operations and Safety divisions, and prepare test plans, briefings, and approval packages. They will manage scheduling and execution of tests across various ranges and test organizations, provide expert advice on test discipline, data collection, and analysis methods, and track program status using SharePoint workflows, Power Automate processes, and Power BI dashboards. Regular interaction with a broad set of stakeholders—including the AFWERX compliance team, AFRL engineers, technical points of contact, cybersecurity and spectrum specialists, environmental reviewers, contracting personnel, and test range operators—ensures safe, compliant, and efficient test execution. This role combines senior technical leadership with hands‑on engineering work, requiring adaptability, clear communication, and the ability to help diverse teams navigate Air Force test processes from initial planning through final reporting.

How you will contribute to our National Security and Defense mission

As a Senior Test Engineer and Manager supporting AFWERX, you will accelerate the development, testing, and fielding of next‑generation aerospace technologies for the U.S. Air Force. By guiding multiple companies—ranging from first‑time innovators to seasoned flight‑test professionals—through the full lifecycle of ground and flight testing for cutting‑edge systems, your work directly impacts the Air Force’s ability to adopt emerging technologies more quickly, safely, and effectively; improves operational readiness; and strengthens America’s strategic advantage in the air and space domains.

Fit for the role

• You’re passionate about shaping the future of aerospace and national defense through innovation.
• You excel at balancing creativity with disciplined safety practices.
• You are energized by working with diverse teams—from small‑business innovators to senior Air Force engineers.
• You thrive in environments with ambiguity, evolving requirements, and rapid iteration.
• You are a strong, empathetic communicator who adjusts guidance based on each test team’s experience level.
• You take pride in continuous improvement, process optimization, and finding smarter ways to work.
• You want to make a meaningful impact by enabling technologies that will directly benefit Airmen and Guardians in the field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, schedule, and execute ground and flight tests for a wide range of emerging aerospace systems.
• Manage and oversee multiple test programs simultaneously—each at different stages of planning, approval, execution, and reporting.
• Guide SBIR‑funded startups and small businesses through test plan development, refinement, safety reviews, and Air Force approval processes.
• Assess each team’s level of test experience and tailor mentorship accordingly—from hands‑on coaching to high‑level technical guidance.
• Develop and submit test documentation including test plans, safety packages, briefings, technical review materials, and flight‑approval artifacts.
• Obtain test approvals through AFRL, military test ranges, test organizations, and other Air Force stakeholders.
• Advise companies on ground and flight test methodologies, data‑collection strategies, and best practices for test discipline.
• Analyze, interpret, and report on test results for systems such as sUAS, counter‑UAS, electric aircraft, autonomous payloads, navigation and sensor packages, airspace monitoring systems, and related technologies.
• Utilize Microsoft SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI to automate test program tracking, build workflows, and provide reporting dashboards.
• Collaborate with a broad stakeholder network including AFRL Operations, AFRL Safety, AFWERX Compliance, AF technical points of contact, test ranges, cybersecurity SMEs, spectrum management, contracting officers, and environmental experts.
• Drive continuous improvement of AFWERX test processes, tools, documentation standards, and automation methods.
• Serve as a senior technical leader while also performing hands‑on engineering tasks—writing plans, conducting reviews, creating briefings, and directly supporting test execution.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance, with ability to obtain Top‑Secret after hiring.
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of test engineering or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading or conducting complex flight testing.
• Experience developing and reviewing test plans, safety documentation, and approval packages.
• Proficiency with Microsoft SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI for workflow and dashboard development.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse partners, from startup teams to Air Force safety authorities.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate of a military test pilot school or equivalent structured test program.
• Certifications or formal training in Power BI and Power Automate.
• Experience applying artificial intelligence or autonomy in aerospace testing or data analysis.
• Familiarity with test‑data systems such as telemetry, flight‑recording systems, sensor packages, geofencing tools, flight‑termination systems, and digital test‑card workflows.

Additional Information

• Travel up to approximately 15 % may be required.
• Strong adaptability, self‑motivation, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in an innovation‑driven environment are essential.
• Clearance Requirements: A SECRET clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required.