Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer – Test Director

Description

The company builds aircraft and aerospace systems, and this role sits in the System Test IPT within the Flight Test Department of the company Aeronautics Systems.

The Test Director runs test missions with safety first, then execution efficiency, standards and test discipline. The role covers mission preparation under local procedures, scheduling of resources and assets, and coordination with all engineering disciplines and outside agencies. It also includes protecting sensitive test data under the relevant Security Classification Guide, and helping write and review flight test and safety plans.

The Test Director can stop a test event if its technical validity is in doubt or safety is at risk.

Location: Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA. Travel: 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. Clearance is required before start: Top Secret.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre- and post-event briefings.
• Support test readiness reviews.
• Run mission control room support and make real-time calls on safety, security, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Support simulations.
• Carry out and help with pre- and post-test data analysis to identify and resolve anomalies.
• Teach other test directors when their experience allows.
• Brief senior management on event results and upcoming plans.
• Take on changing roles and responsibilities as customer needs shift.
• Work toward new engineering disciplines as needed, with little direction, on complex problems, both alone and in a team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science in a STEM field plus 8 years of related professional or military experience, or a Master's plus 6 years, or a Ph.D. plus 4 years.
• An active US Government Top Secret clearance, with a background investigation in the last 6 years or enrolment in Continuous Evaluation.
• Ability to obtain and keep Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a time frame set by business needs.
• Strong written and spoken communication.
• Ability to lead flight test missions and briefings and to oversee test control and discipline engineers in the Mission Control Room.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure in fast-changing settings.
• Mission control experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work odd shifts, weekends and overtime.
• Ability to work in a team and alone, follow rules, and help change them where appropriate.
• Preferred: FAA pilot rating; military operations experience; prior aircrew experience (pilot, EWO, NAV or similar); advanced flight test operations and control room experience; developmental or operational test experience; prior Test Conductor or Test Director qualification; Test Pilot School graduate.

Conditions

Edwards AFB, CA or Palmdale, CA.

Travel about 10% of the time.

Flexible arrangements, including a 4/10 schedule with every Friday off.

Base pay range for the primary level: $129,300.00 to $193,900.00. Final offers depend on scope, experience, education, skills and market conditions.

Applications are expected to stay open about 20 days from posting, and may close earlier or later depending on needs and candidate availability.

Equal opportunity applies.

Benefits

• Possible overtime, shift differential and discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
• Annual bonuses tied to individual contributions and company results.
• Vice President and Director roles may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.
• Health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.
• Learning opportunities and exposure to a wide range of projects and customers.