Flight Test Engineer

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position with required domestic travel (approximately 25%)

Job Overview

This is a Flight Test Engineer support position for the MQ-9 and Predator B variants development test, designing top-level development test programs at the Medium Altitude UAS division for AFLCMC/Det 3 MQ-9 sustainment efforts in California. The ideal candidate has experience with UAS flight test and project execution and implementing management procedures and controls. This person will provide advisory support and recommend project execution focus areas. This position requires teamwork, patience, a firm understanding of test and evaluation, and the ability to travel.

Essential Functions

• Provide advisory, review, or draft documentation for development of test plans and safety packages generated by the USAF, prime weapon system Contractor, and associated Contractors by attending test planning working groups and test interface meetings
• Provide advisory assistance to the Government in support of any UAS incidents that require Safety and Accident Investigations
• Perform all facets of flight testing, from initial planning and operations through execution, data collection, reduction and analysis, report writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion
• Provide project officer leadership required to plan and execute developed test or operate as project engineer or flight test engineer as required
• Provide advisory assistance to facilitate problem-solving and provide recommendations for Government consideration geared to optimize any "Course of Action" managing personnel and equipment to ensure all flight tests are accomplished and are on time
• Interface with the various test organizations to support test and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities and work daily scheduling issues
• Interface with the prime contractor and subcontractors to support the prioritization and scheduling of test item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements
• Review and identify potential issues relating to modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations, and other support equipment
• Develop briefings and reports as required to update program leadership on progress
• Work with the System Program Office to obtain required air worthiness assessment, risk analysis, and military flight release
• Assess and/or evaluate both subjective and objective data acquired through test execution
• Assist the Government in planning/executing system configurations and troubleshoot those configurations to support required sorties
• Facilitate the scheduling of unique test resources (e.g., range, weapons, etc.) and flight test activities
• Review proposals for validity and identify potential discrepancies relating to flight test requirements
• Support the program and the other PMs by providing test advice, recommending priorities, performing resource planning, and identifying constraints, and recommending inputs into deficiency identification and correction actions
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Must possess test and evaluation experience in an aerospace program with knowledge, experience, and recognized ability to be considered an aviation test engineering expert
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals
• The capability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact
• The ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals
• Must be able to maintain a security clearance
• Must be proficient in the MS Office productivity suite

Education / Certifications

• Bachelors or Masters Engineering degree required (see years of related experience below)
• ABET-accredited engineering program preferred

Experience

• Twelve (12) years of experience in aeronautical engineering with a bachelor's Degree, ten (10) years of related experience with a Masters Degree
• At least five (5) of which in the DoD
• Experience with UAS flight test preferred

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time
Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds
Occasionally required to lift up to 15 pounds
Occasionally required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordination
Frequently required to reach overhead and frequently reach at/below shoulder level
Occasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions
Occasionally required to operate hand tools, equipment, heavy machinery
Occasionally required to operate motor vehicle

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.