Test Engineer/ Principal Test Engineer (SURV-LO)

Description

The company's aeronautics unit is hiring a Low Observables Test Engineer for its Flight Test Engineering Survivability team at Edwards AFB, CA.

The opening can be filled at Test Engineer or Principal Test Engineer level. The work is hands-on technical execution, drawing on deep expertise in low observables and survivability testing across the flight test campaign.

You will join a Combined Test Force and several Integrated Product Teams to test low observables and electronic warfare systems. The role suits someone who pairs LO knowledge with the software and scripting skills needed for automation, data analysis and tool development.

Responsibilities

• Act as a hands-on technical contributor on the survivability flight test team, planning and running LO and EW tests on military aircraft.
• Use electronic warfare and survivability knowledge to design test points, specify instrumentation and judge system performance against requirements.
• Build and maintain analysis tools, scripts and models in Python, MATLAB or similar to automate processing, run signal and spectral analysis and produce test reports.
• Within Integrated Product Teams, set test requirements, methods, equipment and measurement choices, test setup, and pre- and post-test reporting, and communicate them clearly.
• Analyze flight test data to characterize LO performance, and contribute to test cards, quick-look products and final reports.
• Support integration, ground testing, and the operation and upkeep of Tier 0-3 RCS test and inspection tools, plus pre-mission rehearsals that confirm aircraft configuration, range assets, threat systems and data acquisition are ready.
• 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

• Hands-on background in systems testing such as flight test, HWIL, SIL, laboratory or range-based test of complex avionics, sensors or mission systems.
• Working knowledge of survivability ideas, including threat systems, mission-level survivability, LO/RCS and EW effects.
• Proven skill in at least one scripting or programming language applied to test data, such as Python, MATLAB or similar.
• Holds a current Secret clearance under the DoD, with a background investigation in the last 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 and range schedules.
• Test Engineer: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline plus 2 years of related professional or military experience, or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of related professional or military experience.
• Principal Test Engineer: Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline plus 5 years of related professional or military experience, or a Master's degree plus 3 years of related professional or military experience.
• Preferred: holds a current Top Secret clearance under the DoD.
• Preferred: strong oral and written communication, including presenting mission concepts, test designs and results to leadership, contractors or customers.
• Preferred: direct flight test experience of survivability capabilities, weapon systems or mission systems on military aircraft.
• Preferred: experience using Tier 1-3 diagnostics systems to categorize RCS performance.
• Preferred: understanding of LO concepts including RCS reduction, signature management and material coatings.
• Preferred: understanding of electronic warfare fundamentals: electronic support (ES), electronic attack (EA) and electronic protection (EP).
• Preferred: hands-on experience developing or maintaining analysis tools, automation scripts or visualization dashboards for test data, such as Python pipelines, MATLAB toolboxes or C/C++ utilities.
• Preferred: experience working in classified environments and familiarity with Safety Management System (SMS) 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 role at Edwards AFB, CA. Remote, hybrid and telework are not available.

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

Secret clearance is required before the start date.

No relocation assistance is available.

Primary level salary range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00.

Secondary level salary range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00.

The salary range is a general guideline. The company weighs scope and responsibilities, experience, education, skills and current market conditions when setting base pay.

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