Principal Flight Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions Inc • Eglin AFB, FL

1d

About The Position

As a Principal Flight Test Engineer for MTSI, you will support USSOCOM fixed-wing capabilities and work directly with the USSOCOM Det 1 commander and USSOCOM PEO-FW Materiel Leaders. You will lead high-visibility test missions to advance technologies for operational warfighters, planning complex flight test events and executing missions aboard AFSOC aircraft. The role includes developing technical knowledge of AFSOC Group 1–5 UAS systems and software and is based in the Eglin AFB, Florida area.

The position provides senior flight test engineering expertise for Group 1–5 UAS development, including test planning and execution, system readiness evaluation, AI performance assessment, coordination of test resources, data management, risk mitigation, and reporting to senior government leaders and program stakeholders. The engineer may work aboard AFSOC aircraft, in DoD control rooms, and in Ground Control Stations across the country, and must be able to travel to test events and program meetings.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of test and evaluation experience focused on aviation developmental testing.
• Understanding and significant experience with Group 5 UAS, such as MQ-9, command and control, airborne networks, and/or associated data links.
• Experience or knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and communications/radar systems.
• Working knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policies.
• Experience preparing flight test documents, including test plans, safety reviews, and test cards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel to test events and program meetings.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class 3 flight physical.
• Ability to fly on military aircraft and operate in Ground Control Stations or control rooms.
• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science.
• Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science degree in engineering or science.
• Experience with Group 1–4 sUAS operations and/or testing on DoD ranges.
• Autonomous system test experience.
• Experience using artificial intelligence as a tool or in testing.
• Test Pilot School graduate (USAF/USN/NTPS).
• Experience testing at various DoD test ranges.
• Demonstrated planning, coordination, and execution skills on AFSOC or similar aircraft platforms.
• Knowledge of installed systems/subsystems and support equipment of AFSOC aircraft.
• Knowledge of AFSOC avionics/mission systems, munitions systems, and communications/radar systems.
• DoD acquisition experience.
• Top Secret security clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1–5 UAS system development.
• Use Group 3–5 UAS operating experience to influence command and control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architectures.
• Develop mission-driven test objectives, plans, and documentation.
• Evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leaders.
• Evaluate and validate AI system performance, robustness, safety, and reliability using defined metrics and test frameworks.
• Lead and participate in detailed flight test event planning.
• Prepare mission execution schedules aligned with program timelines.
• Serve as test conductor for Group 1–5 UAS programs and associated networks, executing live missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, in DoD control rooms, and in Ground Control Stations.
• Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterprise.
• Manage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teams.
• Facilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirements.
• Work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and vendors to define data needs.
• Oversee data management plans and ensure robust data collection, analysis, and distribution methods.
• Identify technical risks relating to data quality, model performance, AI behavior, security, and integration, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Deliver clear, concise, timely reports capturing results and recommended follow-on actions.
• Communicate test status, risks, and readiness assessments to senior government leaders and program stakeholders.
• Communicate and collaborate across engineering, program management, and aircrew disciplines.
• Maintain accurate documentation that enables effective cross-team collaboration.

What This Job Offers

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