DARPA Flight Test IPT Lead Engineer SETA

Amentum•Arlington, VA

3d•$175,000 - $225,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Amentum is seeking talented individuals to support DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced R&D programs, specifically in flight test planning and execution. This full-time position is based in Arlington, VA, with remote work options. The role involves serving as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, leadership, performers, IPTs, and the broader R&D community. Key responsibilities include providing technical leadership in flight test planning and execution, offering Subject Matter Expertise (SME) for aircraft flight testing (flying qualities, performance, stability, and control), and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure requirements are met and documentation is prepared. The position requires understanding Test Director (TD) and Test Conductor (TC) roles, supervising flight test data analysis, leading an IPT for aircraft flight testing (including safety and data capture), and performing independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs. The role also supports identifying and implementing new program concepts, preparing experiment/test plans, translating requirements into R&D objectives, supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews, authoring program briefings and technical reports, and providing program management and acquisition support. Fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence is also a key aspect of the position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum of 12 years of experience.
Prior experience in tactical aircraft flight test planning and execution.
Prior experience as a flight test engineer in experimental, developmental, or operational test campaigns.
Prior experience acting as a Test Director (TD) or Test Conductor (TC).
Demonstrated experience leading a team.
Demonstrated technical leadership experience.
Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment, while working effectively with a team.
Familiarity with classical systems engineering processes and procedures.
Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues.
Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
Active US Government Secret Clearance.
US Citizenship is required to obtain a Government Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD.
Test Pilot School graduate.
Military and/or Government program support experience.
Demonstrated ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues.
Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and the research and development communities across industry, academia, and the Government.
Provide technical leadership in flight test planning and execution.
Provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) for flight testing of aircraft flying qualities and performance, stability, and control.
Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure requirements are met and proper documentation is prepared, acting as the flight test engineering lead.
Understand Test Director (TD) and Test Conductor (TC) roles and responsibilities, and interact with government and performer TD and TC to ensure safe and productive flight test planning and execution.
Provide and supervise flight test data analysis.
Lead an Integrated Product Team (IPT) responsible for successfully planning and executing aircraft flight testing, including ensuring safety and data capture.
Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses.
Support the identifying and implementing of new program concepts.
Support testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with teammates, customers and stakeholders.
Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives.
Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews.
Author program briefings and technical reports.
Provide program management and acquisition support.
Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.