Principal/ Sr. Principal Test Engineer (SURV-EW)

Description

The company's aeronautics unit is hiring an electronic warfare test engineer for its Survivability Flight Test Engineering team at Edwards AFB, California.

The role is hands-on and covers electronic warfare and survivability testing across the flight test campaign, with deep subject-matter expertise expected. It can be filled at either the Principal or Sr. Principal Flight Test Engineer level.

You will work in a Combined Test Force with several test disciplines and Integrated Product Teams on testing of low observable and electronic warfare systems.

The ideal candidate pairs strong EW knowledge with the ability to write and apply software and scripts for test automation, data analysis and tool development.

The team values curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to learn within a multidisciplinary group.

Responsibilities

• Contribute technically to planning and running low observable and EW tests on military aircraft.
• Use EW and survivability knowledge to design test points, specify instrumentation and judge system performance against requirements.
• Build and maintain software and scripts in languages such as Python, MATLAB or C/C++ to automate data processing, run signal and spectral analysis and produce test reports.
• Within Integrated Product Teams, set test requirements, methods, measurement equipment, test setups and pre- and post-test reporting.
• Help integrate and troubleshoot EW and survivability test configurations, including RF emitters, receivers, recorders and mission system interfaces.
• Analyze flight test data on electronic support, electronic attack and electronic protection, and contribute to test cards, quick-look products and final reports.
• Identify, communicate and help manage test risks, issues and opportunities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Improve test processes, data analysis flows and software tools for greater efficiency and repeatability.

Requirements

• Principal: a Bachelor of Science in a STEM field plus 5 years of related professional or military experience, or a Master's degree plus 3 years of related experience.
• Sr. Principal: a Bachelor of Science in a STEM field plus 8 years of related professional or military experience, or a Master's degree plus 6 years of related experience.
• Experience in a systems test environment such as flight test, HWIL, SIL, lab or range testing of complex avionics, sensors or mission systems.
• Demonstrated use of at least one programming or scripting language for test and data analysis, such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar.
• Familiarity with RF, radar or electronic warfare concepts and test methods.
• An active US Government DoD Secret clearance, with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a timeframe set by business needs.
• Willingness to work overtime, odd-hour shifts and occasional weekends to support test schedules.
• Preferred: an active US Government DoD Top Secret clearance.
• Preferred: strong oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting technical data and findings to leadership, contractors or customers.
• Preferred: direct flight test experience on survivability capabilities, weapon systems or mission systems of military aircraft.
• Preferred: understanding of low observable concepts, including radar cross section reduction, signature management and material coatings.
• Preferred: solid grasp of EW fundamentals: electronic support, electronic attack and electronic protection.
• Preferred: hands-on experience building or maintaining analysis tools, automation scripts or dashboards for test data, such as Python pipelines, MATLAB toolboxes or C/C++ utilities.
• Preferred: experience in classified environments and with Safety Management System processes for flight test operations.
• Preferred: familiarity with USAF 412th Test Wing processes and Combined Test Force operations at Edwards AFB.

Conditions

Full-time, on-site work at Edwards AFB. No remote, hybrid or telework is available.

Travel of 10% of the time; travel up to 25% may be required.

A Secret clearance is required before start.

Relocation assistance may be available.

Primary level base salary range: $114,000.00 to $171,000.00. Secondary level base salary range: $142,200.00 to $213,400.00. These ranges are a general guideline; the offer depends on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills and market conditions.

The application period is estimated at 20 days from the posting date, and may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.

Benefits

• Depending on the position, overtime, shift differential and a discretionary bonus may be available on top of base pay.
• Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and let employees share in company results.
• Vice President and Director roles may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.
• Health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays and paid time off for vacation and personal business.