UAS Flight Test Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton•Lorton, VA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly qualified Test Engineer to drive the planning, logistics, and execution of comprehensive testing activities for autonomous Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Our team is focused on building autonomy to support the warfighter, reducing cognitive loads and time spent “on the controls” of UAS. These autonomous systems require rigorous evaluation to ensure safety and thorough evaluation of complex behaviors and interactions, which is where you and your passion for Test and Evaluation (T&E) come in. As a key contributor to our autonomous systems team, you’ll orchestrate our T&E process as we bring new capabilities and products to market. You will lead indoor and outdoor flight tests from design through execution, including test plan development, test event logistics, safety approaches, analysis, and interpretation of results. You’ll drive test processes and acceptance criteria for simulation-based testing, including Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) using platforms like Gazebo. You will focus on ensuring the reliable performance and safety of UAS systems through rigorous test planning, development of custom testing tools, execution of flight and simulation experiments, and data-driven analysis, all with a goal of proving whether development software meets performance requirements and user objectives. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, UAS piloting proficiency, and strong communication skills to validate autonomous system designs and help drive high-quality product delivery. Work with us as we develop software solutions to deliver the next generation of autonomous software and operation to the warfighter. Join us. The world can’t wait.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in flight test engineering supporting unmanned aircraft systems, including test planning, execution, and troubleshooting of field and simulation-based tests
3+ years of experience with SITL and HITL simulation platforms, including Gazebo or PX4
Experience in piloting and operating Group 1-3 UAS safely, effectively, and in compliance with FAA regulations
Knowledge of telemetry, data acquisition systems, and flight control systems
Ability to analyze flight and simulation test results, extract actionable insights, generate data-driven technical deliverables, write detailed technical documentation, generate test reports, and deliver clear presentations to technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to coordinate airspace, range resources, and ground or flight crew activities
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Engineering
FAA Part 107 for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Certification

Nice To Haves

5+ years of experience in UAS system testing, integration, or certification processes
Experience in systems engineering or requirements verification for aerospace systems
Experience in writing test support software for purposes such as data collection, processing, visualization, or analysis, such as developing custom telemetry tools or results evaluation
Knowledge of autonomous system software, including AI/ML or computer vision for robotics
Knowledge of mission autonomy frameworks and integrating multiple autonomous systems into operational workflows
Knowledge of industry standards, FAA regulations, and military guidelines related to UAS operations and testing
Secret clearance
Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering

Responsibilities

Drive the planning, logistics, and execution of comprehensive testing activities for autonomous Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Orchestrate the T&E process as new capabilities and products are brought to market.
Lead indoor and outdoor flight tests from design through execution, including test plan development, test event logistics, safety approaches, analysis, and interpretation of results.
Drive test processes and acceptance criteria for simulation-based testing, including Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) using platforms like Gazebo.
Ensure the reliable performance and safety of UAS systems through rigorous test planning, development of custom testing tools, execution of flight and simulation experiments, and data-driven analysis.
Coordinate airspace, range resources, and ground or flight crew activities.