Flight Test Engineer

Aevex • Poway, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an onsite Flight Test Engineer support position for development testing of MQ-9 and Predator B variants, supporting AFLCMC/Det 3 MQ-9 sustainment efforts in California. The role involves designing top-level development test programs and providing advisory support, project execution recommendations, and expertise in test and evaluation. Domestic travel is required approximately 25% of the time.

The engineer supports planning and execution of flight tests, including test planning, operations, execution, data collection and analysis, reporting, and recommendations. The role works with government organizations, the prime contractor, subcontractors, test organizations, and the System Program Office to coordinate test and safety approvals, schedules, modifications, configurations, airworthiness assessments, and flight releases. The position also provides technical advice, project leadership, resource planning, and support for incident investigations and problem-solving.

The position requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, substantial aeronautical engineering experience, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required. The stated starting salary range is $125,000–$150,000 USD for the listed location.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering.
• With a bachelor's degree, 12 years of experience in aeronautical engineering; with a master's degree, 10 years of related experience.
• At least five years of the required experience must be in the Department of Defense.
• Test and evaluation experience in an aerospace program, with knowledge, experience, and recognized ability as an aviation test engineering expert.
• Ability to learn new concepts quickly and apply them accurately in an evolving environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for interfacing with departments, customers, government representatives, and other professionals.
• Ability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact.
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Ability to maintain a security clearance; ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in the MS Office productivity suite.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including extended sitting and standing, repetitive wrist/hand/finger movements, lifting up to 15 pounds occasionally, and operating equipment or vehicles on occasion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with UAS flight test.
• Graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory support and review or draft development test plans and safety packages, including participation in test-planning working groups and test interface meetings.
• Assist the Government with safety and accident investigations involving UAS incidents.
• Perform flight testing from initial planning and operations through execution, data collection, reduction and analysis, report writing, and recommendations.
• Provide project officer leadership for planning and executing tests, or serve as project engineer or flight test engineer as required.
• Facilitate problem-solving and recommend courses of action to manage personnel and equipment and keep flight tests on schedule.
• Interface with test organizations to support test and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities, and resolve daily scheduling issues.
• Coordinate with the prime contractor and subcontractors on prioritization and scheduling of test-item modifications, maintenance, and flight-test requirements.
• Review modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations, and support equipment and identify potential issues.
• Develop briefings and reports to update program leadership on progress.
• Work with the System Program Office to obtain airworthiness assessments, risk analyses, and military flight releases.
• Assess and evaluate subjective and objective data acquired during test execution.
• Assist the Government in planning and executing system configurations and troubleshooting them to support required sorties.
• Facilitate scheduling of unique test resources, such as ranges and weapons, and flight-test activities.
• Review proposals for validity and identify potential discrepancies relating to flight-test requirements.
• Support the program and other PMs by providing test advice, recommending priorities, planning resources, identifying constraints, and recommending inputs for deficiency identification and correction actions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and reliable full-time attendance and exhibit professional behavior consistent with company policies and culture.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Medical insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the company.
• Dental insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the company.
• Vision insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the company.
• Disability insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the company.
• Life insurance, with a portion of premiums paid by the company.
• Professional development funds.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), including counseling, legal help, and child and elder care support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior