Aircraft Integrator and Test Lead

CoAspire; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company match and immediate vesting

PTO and Federal holidays

Job summary

A leading defense manufacturing firm in Northern Virginia seeks an Aircraft Integrator and Test Lead. This role involves integrating missile systems onto aircraft and leading field tests to ensure safety and effectiveness. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in aircraft-store integration and hold a degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering. This position offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits from day one, and opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in aircraft-store integration or flight test engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with U.S. military aircraft pylons and rail launchers.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to gain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead field integration and test efforts for missile systems.
• Act as the technical authority on aircraft pylon hardware.
• Define and verify electrical interfaces between missile and aircraft.

Skills

Aircraft-store integration

Flight test engineering

Experience with MIL-STD-1760

Ability to work in hangar environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission‑critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

Position

The Aircraft Integrator and Test Lead is responsible for both the integration of our missile systems onto military aircraft and the full lifecycle of field testing required to prove the weapon is safe and effective in operational environments. This role combines hands‑on traditional Integration & Test (I&T) work with leadership of live field test events. You will be the primary technical authority for planning, executing, attending, and thoroughly documenting field test campaigns at DoD test ranges and military installations. The position demands a mix of mechanical/electrical integration expertise, exercising I&T processes, flight‑line and hangar work, and direct participation in real‑world weapons separation and integration testing. Regular travel to CONUS (1-2 weeks per month) and probable OCONUS travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the field integration and test efforts for missile systems onto various fixed‑wing platforms.
• Act as the technical authority on aircraft pylon hardware, including the installation and checkout of various military launchers.
• Define and verify electrical interfaces between the missile and the aircraft using MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-1553 standards.
• Coordinate and execute physical fit checks and mass properties verifications at both our manufacturing facility and military installations on an as‑needed basis.
• Support the development of flight clearance packages and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure the missile meets all airworthiness and safety‑of‑flight requirements.
• Troubleshoot hardware‑to‑platform communication issues during ground testing and pre‑flight checkouts.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in aircraft‑store integration, flight test engineering, or a related field within the defense industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. military aircraft pylons and associated rail launchers.
• Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-1553
• Ability to work in hangar and flight line environments, including the physical installation of test hardware on aircraft.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to gain a Secret Security Clearance.

Desired Skills

• Experience with the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) and its implementation across different platforms.
• Familiarity with flight test instrumentation (FTI) and telemetry systems used during weapons separation testing.
• Knowledge of the NAVAIR or Air Force SEEK EAGLE (AFSEC) certification processes for new stores.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks or NX) for checking clearance and fitment within aircraft weapon bays or pylon stations.
• Previous experience supporting live‑fire test events or large‑scale military exercises.

What We Offer

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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