Lead Systems Engineer - Test

BAE Systems•Fort Worth, TX

3d•$107,359 - $182,510

About The Position

We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer – Test to support verification and validation (V&V) activities for Force Life Management (FLM) software supporting the F-35 Lightning II program. This role combines hands-on systems/test engineering with leadership responsibility, managing and guiding a small team while also actively contributing to testing activities yourself. You will not be a purely managerial lead; instead, you will be expected to independently execute verification activities while coordinating the work of the wider team. The FLM capability uses Prognostic Health Management (PHM) data to generate diagnostic and prognostic insights that support improved operational decision-making and reduced unplanned maintenance. The software is developed through the full lifecycle, including requirements definition, implementation, verification, and validation. You will play a key role in ensuring that all software is rigorously tested within an F-35 ALIS emulator environment and meets customer and program expectations. This role requires strong technical test expertise and the ability to operate as a hands-on contributor while also providing day-to-day coordination and leadership of a small team in a delivery-focused environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Experience in systems engineering or software testing, with a strong focus on verification and validation
Experience working in a hands-on testing role, executing test cases and verification procedures directly
Experience developing and executing test cases, test procedures, and structured verification activities
Understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, integration, verification, validation)
Experience working in controlled engineering environments with configuration management processes
Ability to interpret system and software requirements and translate them into test activities
Experience tracking test execution and reporting outcomes against delivery plans
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying and diagnosing system or software defects
Effective communication skills for working within engineering teams and with stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of structure, accuracy, and accountability

Nice To Haves

Experience on the F-35 Lightning II program or similar aerospace/defense systems
Familiarity with Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) or related logistics/mission systems
Exposure to Prognostic Health Management (PHM), diagnostics, or condition-based maintenance systems
Experience with Common Desktop Environments (CDE) and System Test Tools
Experience leading small engineering teams or work packages
Experience working with external customers or prime contractors
Experience in automated testing, simulation-based testing, or emulator-based verification environments
Familiarity with Agile or iterative software delivery environments
Exposure to MBSE tools or structured requirements management approaches
Experience with Java or Python programming languages

Responsibilities

Leading, guiding, and coordinating a small team delivering verification activities
Executing systems and software verification and validation activities within an F-35 ALIS emulator environment
Developing, maintaining, and executing test plans, test cases, and verification procedures aligned to system requirements
Supporting requirements validation and ensuring full traceability from requirements through to test evidence
Planning, tracking, and delivering test activities across multiple workstreams to meet program milestones
Acting as a key interface with customers for external verification and integration activities
Ensuring adherence to configuration management, quality assurance, and governance processes
Working closely with systems and software engineers to ensure requirements are testable and correctly implemented
Identifying, investigating, and raising risks, issues, and anomalies discovered during testing
Providing clear reporting on test progress, outcomes, and quality status

Benefits

health, dental, and vision insurance
health savings accounts
a 401(k) savings plan
disability coverage
life and accident insurance
employee assistance program
a legal plan
discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance
paid time off
paid holidays
paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave
company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards