Test Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Hagerstown, MD

About The Position

The Test Engineer III leads the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for advanced aerospace and defense systems. The role manages multiple test projects and ensures product compliance and performance through testing that evolves with design maturity, from initial development through post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles. It involves extensive system testing of mission equipment, including communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems. Software or automation testing knowledge and skills are not required. Within Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST), the position supports command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection, and security solutions for Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial, and international customers. MST supports platform operations, engineering, and full lifecycle management across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The position develops and maintains flight test plans, procedures, and reports; supports program-level test planning; and performs developmental, qualification, and flight testing of aircraft mission systems and avionics. The engineer operates RF and electronic test equipment, supports aircraft integration and troubleshooting, participates in readiness and safety reviews, and analyzes test data. The role also collaborates with engineering and program teams and provides technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers. The job may involve working in an office, laboratory, hangar, or offsite environment, extended computer use, lifting up to 25 pounds regularly, and occasional travel. The estimated starting salary range is $103,565.21–$142,402.17, with compensation depending on factors including skills, experience, education, training, certifications, and applicable geographic differentials. SNC offers medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) match, life insurance, three weeks of paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits. An active U.S. Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship are required for employment; the candidate must also be able to obtain Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
At least 6 years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering; a higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
Knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
Experience working in multidisciplinary design and development teams.
Experience planning, conducting, and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques.
Current FAA Class III Medical Certification, or ability to obtain it before hire.
Ability to complete Altitude Chamber training and qualification.
Hands-on experience with RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum and network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition units, transducers, and accelerometers.
Experience developing and executing ground and flight test plans and procedures.
Strong background in requirements management, including derivation, traceability, verification, and selloff.
Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
Familiarity with aircraft avionics systems, architectures, and integration.
Active U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for employment.
Ability to obtain Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds regularly.
Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment; occasional travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and/or missionized aircraft.
Familiarity with MIL-STD and aerospace standards, such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461.
Experience supporting FAA and/or military (DoD) certification efforts.
Knowledge of requirements management tools such as DOORS and Jama.
Prior experience in a lead test or integration IPT role.
Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experience generating and dispositioning product non-conformances.
Familiarity with testing equipment, standards, and methodologies, including manual and automated testing.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements.
Support program-level test planning, including strategies, schedules, risk identification, and resource coordination.
Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems and avionics.
Operate RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition units, transducers, and accelerometers.
Support aircraft integration, subsystem checkout, and test anomaly investigation and resolution.
Participate in Test Readiness Reviews, Safety Review Boards, and post-test data analysis.
Coordinate with systems engineering, avionics, software, and program management to align test activities with technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers.