Robotic & Autonomous Systems Test Methodology Lead
About The Position
KBR is seeking a Robotic & Autonomous Systems Test Methodology Lead to support the development and maturation of developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) methodologies for Naval Test Wing Atlantic's emerging robotic and autonomous systems mission. The role applies established developmental test principles to evolving systems, adapting proven methods where appropriate and creating new processes and resources when the systems' unique characteristics require them. It maintains a feedback loop with ongoing test programs, using test results, lessons learned, emerging technologies, and user feedback to continually improve test practices. The lead also identifies needs for tools, resources, and training, defines functional requirements, and works with technical teams to develop and refine capabilities that support the DT&E mission. The position calls for substantial independence, technical judgment, and initiative. KBR provides engineering, test, flight operations, and technical support to Naval Test Wing Atlantic and its supported developmental test organizations. The test mission includes robotic and autonomous systems such as unmanned surface vessels, unmanned underwater vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and other emerging autonomous capabilities. The primary work location is the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland area, including Webster Outlying Field. This is primarily an on-site role supporting Government test activities. Work may also take place at waterfront facilities, test ranges, aboard support vessels, or temporary and remote test locations. Travel may be required for test events and program activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, aviation, or a related technical discipline.
- 10 years of experience.
- Significant professional experience in developmental test and evaluation of complex military systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, and executing test plans, test procedures, risk-management products, data requirements, test reports, and related DT&E documentation.
- Demonstrated knowledge of developmental test methodology and processes for planning, executing, analyzing, documenting, and reporting complex test programs.
- Experience working within NAVAIR, a DoW test organization, or a comparable developmental test environment.
- Ability to evaluate existing technical processes, identify gaps, and develop practical solutions to improve test effectiveness and consistency.
- Experience working across multidisciplinary technical teams and communicating effectively with engineers, operators, test personnel, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to independently address ambiguous or emerging technical problems for which established processes may not yet exist.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship required.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) or an equivalent recognized military test pilot school as a pilot, Naval Flight Officer, or flight test engineer.
- Previous developmental test tour supporting Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL), Naval Test Wing Pacific (NTWP), or a comparable military test organization.
- Extensive experience developing or refining DT&E methodologies, processes, standards, procedures, or institutional test guidance.
- Experience with unmanned, robotic, or autonomous systems, including UAS, UGV, USV, UUV, remotely operated systems, or advanced autonomy.
- Familiarity with data-management, deficiency-reporting, test-planning, risk-management, or test-reporting systems used within the DoD test community.
- Experience interacting with NAVAIR program offices, Naval Warfare Centers, Navy laboratories, or other DoD acquisition and test organizations.
- Master's degree in engineering, systems engineering, test and evaluation, or a related technical field.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the lead technical resource for developing and continually maturing robotic and autonomous systems test methodologies, standards, processes, and supporting resources.
- Apply established developmental test principles and best practices to emerging robotic and autonomous systems, adapting existing approaches and developing new methodologies as needed.
- Develop and refine standardized approaches for test planning, risk management, test execution, data analysis, deficiency documentation, and test reporting.
- Incorporate lessons learned and feedback from ongoing test programs into test methodologies and processes.
- Collaborate with test leadership, Project Officers, engineers, operators, and other stakeholders to identify gaps, emerging requirements, and opportunities to improve DT&E effectiveness and consistency.
- Identify requirements for test tools, workflows, data systems, templates, and other resources; define functional requirements and serve as the DT&E subject matter expert during development, evaluation, and refinement.
- Support the development of training, curricula, reference materials, lessons learned, and technical guidance to prepare personnel and promote consistent RAS DT&E practices.
- Provide technical recommendations to leadership and coordinate with Navy, DoW, industry, and other test organizations to identify emerging practices and advance RAS test methodology.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, flexible spending account, and disability benefits
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional training and development
- Potential additional compensation, which may include sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
