Flight Test Coordinator

Leidos•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

Leidos Defense is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Test Director to lead and oversee testing activities for a flight system development and deployment program. The role plans, coordinates, and executes developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. It calls for technical expertise, leadership, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. The Test Director develops test plans, procedures, schedules, objectives, and success criteria; coordinates test readiness; and oversees testing in laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environments. The role leads test teams, oversees data collection and analysis, documents and reports findings, manages testing risks, and ensures compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and DoD testing policies. It also supports System Integration and Check Out (SICO), continuous improvement, and the integration of digital engineering tools and methods into testing.

Requirements

ABET-accredited bachelor's degree or equivalent in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
At least 10 years of experience in systems testing, test management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in flight vehicle system testing, development, or operations.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing developmental and operational testing for complex systems.
Strong understanding of flight system principles, components, and performance metrics.
Familiarity with developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT) methodologies.
Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including DoD testing policies and directives.
Ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Strong decision-making skills and ability to address challenges and resolve issues under pressure.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Experience preparing and presenting test reports, briefings, and after-action reviews.
Active Secret security clearance and ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
Experience working with government test agencies, such as the U.S. Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Force or a similar evaluation command center.
Experience with flight vehicle systems in an operational or deployed environment.
Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program management principles.
Experience supporting SICO activities for complex systems.
Familiarity with digital engineering tools and methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital twin technology.
Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices for flight vehicle systems, including DoD cybersecurity directives.
Experience with environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference testing.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Test and Evaluation certification.
Systems Engineering certification or equivalent.
Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and address complex technical challenges.
Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in testing methodologies and processes.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans, procedures, and schedules for flight system developmental and operational testing.
Define test objectives, scope, and success criteria based on system requirements and program goals.
Coordinate with program management, engineering, and logistics teams to ensure test readiness.
Direct flight system testing in laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environments.
Monitor test execution for adherence to approved plans, procedures, and safety protocols; halt testing when safety concerns or anomalies warrant it.
Lead and manage multidisciplinary test teams, assign responsibilities, and ensure team members are trained on procedures and tools.
Coordinate with government test agencies as required.
Oversee collection, processing, and analysis of test data to evaluate performance against requirements.
Identify anomalies, trends, and areas for improvement, and ensure test data and findings are accurately documented.
Prepare and present test reports, after-action reviews, and briefings to program management and stakeholders.
Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
Conduct post-test debriefs and hotwashes to capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement.
Ensure testing complies with applicable standards, regulations, government requirements, cybersecurity and environmental standards, and DoD testing policies and directives.
Identify and mitigate risks associated with test activities, including operational disruptions and safety concerns.
Improve testing methodologies, tools, and procedures based on prior results, lessons learned, and evolving program requirements.
Support integration of digital engineering tools and methodologies into the test process.
Support SICO activities to ensure flight system components are integrated and ready for testing, and coordinate resolution of integration issues with engineering teams.