Aerospace Test Lead & Programs Manager

Socket.dev; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks a Senior Test Engineer and Manager to lead ground and flight test programs supporting AFWERX and the SBIR/STTR program. You will coordinate with AFRL operations, safety, and engineering teams, guiding startups through test plans, safety reviews, and Air Force approvals while maintaining rigorous safety and compliance.

This role combines senior technical leadership with hands-on engineering, requiring clear communication, adaptability, and mentorship of diverse teams from small

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• 10+ years of test engineering or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading or conducting complex flight testing.
• Experience developing and reviewing test plans, safety documentation, and approval packages.
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI for workflow and dashboard development.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse partners, from startup teams to Air Force safety authorities.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, schedule, and execute ground and flight tests for a wide range of emerging aerospace systems.
• Manage and oversee multiple test programs simultaneously—each at different stages of planning, approval, execution, and reporting.
• Guide SBIR‑funded startups and small businesses through test plan development, refinement, safety reviews, and Air Force approval processes.
• Assess each team’s level of test experience and tailor mentorship accordingly—ranging from hands‑on coaching to high‑level technical guidance.
• Develop and submit test documentation including test plans, safety packages, briefings, technical review materials, and flight approval artifacts.
• Obtain test approvals through AFRL, military test ranges, test organizations, and other Air Force stakeholders.
• Advise companies on ground and flight test methodologies, data collection strategies, and best practices for test discipline.
• Analyze, interpret, and report on test results for systems such as sUAS, counter‑UAS, electric aircraft, autonomous payloads, navigation and sensor packages, airspace monitoring systems, and related technologies.
• Utilize Microsoft SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power BI to automate test program tracking, build workflows, and provide reporting dashboards.
• Collaborate with a broad stakeholder network including AFRL Operations, AFRL Safety, AFWERX Compliance, AF Technical Points of Contact, test ranges, cybersecurity SMEs, spectrum management, contracting officers, and environmental experts.
• Drive continuous improvement of AFWERX test processes, tools, documentation standards, and automation methods.
• Serve as a senior technical leader while also performing hands‑on engineering tasks — writing plans, conducting reviews, creating briefings, and directly supporting test execution.

Skills

Test leadership

Flight testing

Plan development

Adaptability

Communication

Education

BS in Engineering

MS in Engineering

Tools

SharePoint

Power Automate

Power BI

Job description

Socket.dev seeks a Senior Test Engineer and Manager to lead ground and flight test programs supporting AFWERX and the SBIR/STTR program. You will coordinate with AFRL operations, safety, and engineering teams, guiding startups through test plans, safety reviews, and Air Force approvals while maintaining rigorous safety and compliance.

This role combines senior technical leadership with hands-on engineering, requiring clear communication, adaptability, and mentorship of diverse teams from small