FAA Systems / Test Engineer

Noblis•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Voice Switch and Recorder (VS&R) Program Office is modernizing Air Traffic Control (ATC) Voice Communication Systems (VCSs) and legal recording systems that perform critical, high availability ATC communications within the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA is acquiring modern Internet Protocol Voice Communications Systems (IP-VCSs), which includes review of requirements, procurement, verification, validation, testing, implementation, deployment and acceptance of new IP-VCSs into the NAS. The VS&R Program Office also manages full life cycle sustainment and logistics activities for existing operational ATC VCSs that are currently in use throughout the NAS. The Test Engineer will provide a combination of remote and hands-on test engineering support, including Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) witnessing at ATC system vendor locations in MD, DC and VA within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In order to accelerate the modernization of ATC voice communications from Analog & TDM to Internet Protocol (IP) technology, the FAA must verify, validate, test and safely deploy hundreds of IP-VCSs and thousands of Air-to-Ground Protocol Converters (APCs) over the next 3-4 years.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, or similar discipline, plus 5-16 years of relevant hands-on system testing experience.
Experience supporting formal testing and system verification processes such as Factory Acceptance Tests, Production Acceptance Tests, and Environmental Tests.
Expertise in following detailed test procedures and ensuring tests are executed according to approved methods.
Ability to evaluate and validate proposed modifications to test procedures for technical accuracy and alignment with verification requirements.
Expertise in reviewing test procedures for completeness, accuracy, logical sequence, traceability, and effectiveness of the verification approach.
Strong understanding of requirements-based testing and the ability to assess if test procedure steps effectively demonstrate system compliance with associated requirements.
Skill in identifying test procedure gaps, ambiguities, inconsistencies, or weak verification methods, and recommending enhancements.
Aptitude to understand complex systems, interfaces, hardware/software interactions, and engineering documentation.
Ability to produce clear and professional test logs that summarize test activities, observations, issues, anomalies, deviations, and overall test status.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage professionally with vendors, engineers, and program staff.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify issues and develop effective solutions during testing phases.
Testing Methodologies: Experience with various testing methodologies, including development and operational testing.
Attention to Detail and Time Management: Strong attention to detail and effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing requirements and environments, maintaining flexibility and resilience in dynamic project settings.
Commitment to Learning: Dedication to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to enhance testing practices.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Knowledge of the FAA National Airspace System (NAS)
Proficient with requirements management, defect tracking, or test management tools such DOORS, Codebeamer, Jama, etc. is a plus.
Familiarity with Linux environments, including the ability to navigate, configure, and troubleshoot within the operating system. Experience with Linux-based tools and scripts can enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
Understanding of OSI networking principles, including configuration, and troubleshooting of network devices. Experience with network protocols and the ability to test network-related functionalities will be beneficial.
Strong logic/reasoning skills (e.g., can understand/analyze requirements, and identify logical gaps).
Experience conducting and participating in client/vendor technical interchange meetings (TIMs).

Responsibilities

Interpret Complex System Requirements: Analyze and understand complex system requirements and interfaces to review, develop and witness test procedures that align with project objectives and deliverables.
Develop Test Plans, Execute and/or Witness Testing: Create comprehensive test plans and verification procedures that outline the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for testing activities. Execute these plans or witness vendor test execution to ensure thorough testing coverage.
Meticulously log test results, and compile detailed reports on findings to inform clients, vendors and stakeholders.
Verify Requirements: Ensure that all system requirements are met through rigorous and comprehensive testing processes, identifying any discrepancies or areas for improvement.
Review Vendor Products: Evaluate vendor products and test cases to ensure compliance with FAA standards and requirements, providing constructive feedback to enhance product quality.
Witness Vendor Testing: Observe and document test events executed by product vendors at Vendor/Factory locations.
Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with internal teams and stakeholders to communicate testing results clearly and effectively, facilitating informed decision-making.