VENOM Lead Test Engineer

Gauss Management Research & Engineering•Eglin Air Force Base, FL

About The Position

The VENOM Lead Test Engineer provides subject-matter expertise and assistance to 40 FLTS Test Engineers across all phases of test activities. The role advises management, test engineers, aircrew, and teammates on system performance requirements, test objectives and plans, run cards and scripts, data collection and analysis, and test conclusions and reporting. The position supports developmental testing of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems, including in a special program environment, and works with unique test platforms, ranges, airspace, and test facilities. It also supports the development of the Test and Resource Management Center UAS T&E Roadmap. The engineer plans, coordinates, conducts, and reports on ground and flight test activities. Work includes coordinating equipment and instrumentation, facilitating technical and safety reviews, preparing and conducting missions, analyzing test data, reviewing contractor progress, and providing technical recommendations, briefings, and reports. The position requires recent familiarity with local test organizations and ground and flight test processes, as well as fighter aircraft systems, UAS, flight operations, security guidance, data-processing software, and USAF policies. The role requires an active U.S. TS/SCI clearance and a valid driver’s license. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or site visits. GMRE offers specified benefits to permanent full-time employees.

Requirements

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and customer-service skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time-management skills and a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Ability to work flexible hours and respond on short notice as needed.
Ability to maintain a professional appearance.
Active U.S. TS/SCI clearance and willingness to be subject to a government security investigation.
Valid driver’s license; driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency.
Ability to pass a background check for access to the working-location installation bases.

Nice To Haves

U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) Graduate Flight Training is highly desired.
Operator-based or other suitable experience on the F-15C/E, F-16C/D, A-10, or another fighter aircraft is needed to adequately support a portion of the requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide expert technical, engineering, integration, and test-planning support, including meeting with 40 FLTS customers and reviewing prior test activities.
Develop, write, and review MOTs and TDs; identify and coordinate test support equipment and instrumentation; facilitate technical and safety reviews; and obtain final test approval.
Advise on ground and flight test processes, procedures, and safety and environmental planning and execution.
Support developmental testing of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems and testing with unique platforms, airspace, ranges, and facilities.
Participate in on-site and off-site programmatic and technical interchange meetings and identify actions that support test planning, execution, reporting, and follow-on briefings.
Provide advice on fighter aircraft systems, UAS, flight operations, security guidance, data-processing software, and USAF policies.
Provide technical recommendations to test team members, 40 FLTS leadership, customer organizations, and higher headquarters; assist with technical briefings for internal and external audiences in a multi-level security environment.
Schedule test activities using designated software, processes, and timelines.
Support complex test efforts by advising on test design and system-performance criteria, formulating mission run cards, briefing participants, leading missions as a Test Conductor/Instructor, deconflicting range resources, coordinating with JTTOCC and SOF, conducting debriefs, submitting reports, and applying DOE and other statistical tools.
Verify test equipment hardware and software configurations meet mission data and security requirements, and deconflict aircraft and stores.
Plan test and training missions using designated mission-planning software and prepare associated hardware.
Reduce and analyze post-mission data, compare data to truth sources or predictions, document DRs, investigate discrepancies, develop findings and conclusions, and prepare data packages, letter reports, or technical reports.
Participate in working groups and technical reviews and provide recommendations on technical matters and decisions.
Prepare and present technical briefings and studies to 40 FLTS and other appropriate management levels.
Observe contractor and subcontractor test progress, identify potential problem areas, and recommend resolutions to 40 FLTS.
Review and edit reports and test plans, including preparing materials for and uploading them to the Defense Technical Information Center.
Develop and execute data-acquisition methods, organize test data, and conduct initial reviews for technical accuracy and sufficiency.
Analyze systems interoperability and performance, evaluate new system software and updates, and support systems analysis and performance measurement and prediction models.
Advise and assist with preparation of Class-II modification requests for test support.
Maintain configuration and operation of secure IT systems supporting flight-line pre- and post-mission requirements.
Assist with development of the TRMC UAS T&E Roadmap by applying knowledge of future UAS test requirements and existing test capabilities across the MRTFB.