Test Engineer

Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. The company has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, CFD Research also maintains office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio; prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama; and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company, appraised at CMMI Level II for Services, and is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company.

About the role

The Test Engineer will lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems in Crane, IN. This role involves planning, developing procedures, scheduling, and executing system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests. Responsibilities include managing hardware and software integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and protocols, and verifying/validating system performance requirements. The Test Engineer will coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to ensure test readiness, capture and analyze results, document integration processes, and mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks. The role also includes coordinating test schedules to optimize usage of Integration and Environmental Test resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and subsystems.
• Plan, develop, and execute detailed test procedures for system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests.
• Manage hardware and software integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and protocols.
• Verify and validate system performance requirements.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to ensure test readiness.
• Capture and analyze test results, document integration processes, and mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks.
• Coordinate test schedules with other missions and Test Engineers to optimize resource usage.
• Create, track, complete, and close discrepancy reports.
• Operate telemetry checkout equipment and other vehicle/payload ground support equipment.
• Perform fit checks, integration operations, and hands-on hardware verification.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD SECRET clearance.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar STEM discipline) and 3+ years of relevant experience OR 5-7 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace, defense, or high-performance systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for performing fit checks, integration operations, and hands-on hardware verification.

Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting DoD or private testing campaigns working on government contracts.
• Hands-on integration experience with hardware and/or software systems.
• Experience supporting rocket launched or high-performance systems.
• Familiarity with environmental test systems such as vibration, mass properties, flight safety processes, and telemetry integration.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and employer matching 401(k).
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Comprehensive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Partial or reduced benefits for Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners based on employment status.
• Performance appraisals twice a year with annual pay increases based on corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements.
• Group and individual bonuses for exceptional performance.