Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

Modern Technology Solutions Inc•Edwards AFB, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

MTSI is seeking Flight Test Engineer (FTE) candidates to lead various research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) primarily on the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), but other TPS aircraft as required. Duty location is at Edwards AFB. This position will be required to start between October 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026. During the extensive Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62 (May 2026 to approximately March 2027), responsible for technical coordination of the modifications to the aircraft – with other X-62 project support organizations/personnel. Coordinate the aircraft’s mod schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and with 412TW/AFTC when required. Assist in developing X-62 system proposal/change requests, and evolving system requirements/needs for the MSU modifications. Responsible for the research focused, operations engineering associated with the X-62 aircraft (post-MSU modifications), which include: Assisting the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) to coordinate research efforts and their associated test missions efforts that could utilize the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs). Aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling Test Execution - Conductor/Director duties Responsible for test planning (test plans and safety plan writing, coordination, approval) Including test cards development, coordination, and approvals Other duties in-line with MTSI’s core value to “Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems”.

Requirements

Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in all phases of planning, executing, and managing flight tests.
Reputation of being a team player.
5 year minimum (10 years desired) hands-on experience and knowledge with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare – including AESA radar, IRST, EO/IR imaging, radar warning receivers.
Direct experience or extensive familiarization with DoD Class II modification processes, aircraft airworthiness & approvals, and aircraft H/W & S/W configuration control.
Experience with AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems.
Experience leading research programs within the military flight test domain.
Experience running or executing missions from a Mission Control Room.
Qualified (or skills & experience necessary to achieve qualification) test conductor/director (TC/TD).
Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of discipline engineers to support Flight Test Operations.
Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
Skilled in making valued, trusted, defendable recommendations to leadership.
Experience generating test plans, flight test mission material, post-mission & detailed final reports.
Willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers’ requirements and needs.
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (must have 20+ yrs of relevant work experience).
Secret clearance is required.
Ability to obtain TS/SCI.
U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Either USAF Test Pilot School Graduate or >10 yrs experience within a military flight test organization, preferably with one of the AFTC centers (Edwards AFB, Eglin AFB, or Holloman).
Wide breadth of aircraft test related experience, examples include sensors, EW, T-2 modifications, fight dynamics/performance, aircraft systems, and system networks.
Developmental Test experience.
Master’s degree in a STEM field (must have 15+ yrs of relevant work experience).

Responsibilities

Technical coordination of aircraft modifications during the Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62.
Coordinate aircraft modification schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and 412TW/AFTC.
Assist in developing X-62 system proposal/change requests and evolving system requirements/needs for MSU modifications.
Conduct research-focused operations engineering for the X-62 aircraft post-MSU modifications.
Assist the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) in coordinating research efforts and test missions utilizing the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs).
Manage aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling.
Perform Test Execution - Conductor/Director duties.
Responsible for test planning, including writing, coordinating, and approving test plans and safety plans.
Develop, coordinate, and approve test cards.
Perform other duties aligned with MTSI’s core value to “Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems”.