Test Engineer - Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel

About the role

Torch Technologies is seeking a Test Engineer - Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel at Arnold AFB in Tullahoma, TN. This role is a critical member of the 716th Test Squadron team at AEDC, responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing complex aerodynamic and propulsion integration testing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers, test managers, and a multi-disciplinary core test team to define test objectives, scope, and requirements for aerodynamic wind tunnel testing, including store separation, stability & control, inlet integration, control effectiveness, jet interaction, and heat transfer.
• Develop detailed test plans, including test matrices, instrumentation requirements, data acquisition strategies, and safety protocols.
• Interpret pre-test simulations and analyses to aid in selection of appropriate instrumentation, including strain gage balances, pressure transducers, accelerometers, and high-speed imaging systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation of test setups, procedures, and results.
• Oversee the installation and calibration of test articles and instrumentation within the wind tunnel.
• Monitor wind tunnel equipment during testing, ensuring data quality and adherence to safety procedures.
• Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during testing and implement corrective actions.
• Cook up with wind tunnel operators, instrumentation technicians, and other support personnel to ensure smooth and efficient test execution.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with relevant technical go/no-go and AEDC safety policies.
• Process and analyze large datasets acquired during testing using specialized software tools.
• Prepare comprehensive test reports documenting test procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Present test findings to customers and stakeholders through briefings, presentations, and written reports.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Bachelor's in an engineering or science discipline
• A minimum of 3 years’ of relevant test engineering experience
• Experience with aerodynamic performance and testing concepts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing detailed technical reports and presenting findings to customers and leadership
• Maintain a Secret security clearance

Qualifications

• Master's in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Direct test engineering experience in high speed closed loop aerodynamic wind tunnels
• Experience with instrumentation troubleshooting
• Proficiency with 3-D CAD modeling
• Advanced MS Excel and Python programming skills

Benefits

• ESOP participation
• 401(k) match
• medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability
• flexible spending accounts, Health Saving Accounts and Health Reimbursement Accounts
• EAP
• education assistance
• paid time off
• holidays