Flight Test Engineer

KBR Careers; Beavercreek (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical, dental, vision

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to lead and advance autonomous air refueling flight test efforts with Air Force Research Lab partnerships. You will define test requirements, develop plans and procedures, and manage ground and flight test events, serving as the data analysis expert to ensure safety, performance, and mission readiness.

The role requires deep experience across the flight test lifecycle, strong collaboration with engineering, operations, and management teams, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or related STEM field.
• Minimum of 10 years hands-on experience in flight test engineering.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in defining test requirements, developing test plans and procedures, and executing flight tests.
• Proven ability in flight data analysis and the generation of comprehensive test reports.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, avionics, flight controls, and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of FAA and/or military specifications and certification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test programs for various aircraft platforms and systems.
• Develop detailed flight test plans, procedures, and test cards, ensuring clear objectives, performance criteria, and safety standards.
• Manage and oversee ground and flight test events, including range and airspace coordination.
• Instrument test assets and manage data acquisition systems to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities, and system functionality.
• Prepare detailed flight test reports, documenting results, highlighting key findings, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate vendor deliverables to ensure contract performance and compliance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, flight operations, and program management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, regulatory requirements, and program guidelines.
• Identify potential safety risks and technical challenges, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
• Potentially serve as a Test Director, responsible for the overall execution of flight and ground tests.

Skills

Flight test engineering

Test plan development

Data analysis

Report writing

Aircraft systems knowledge

Avionics & flight controls

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Safety & regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Title

Flight Test Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary

KBR is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Flight Test Engineer to support work with the Air Force Research Lab’s autonomous air refueling effort. We are seeking a seasoned professional to take a senior role in our flight test operations. The right candidate will be responsible for defining test requirements, developing comprehensive test plans and procedures, and managing ground and flight test events and serve as the expert in the collection, analysis, and reporting of complex flight test data to ensure the safety, performance, and mission readiness of advanced aerospace systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test programs for various aircraft platforms and systems.
• Develop detailed flight test plans, procedures, and test cards, ensuring clear objectives, performance criteria, and safety standards.
• Manage and oversee ground and flight test events, including range and airspace coordination.
• Instrument test assets and manage data acquisition systems to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities, and system functionality.
• Prepare detailed flight test reports, documenting results, highlighting key findings, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate vendor deliverables to ensure contract performance and compliance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, flight operations, and program management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, regulatory requirements, and program guidelines.
• Identify potential safety risks and technical challenges, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
• Potentially serve as a Test Director, responsible for the overall execution of flight and ground tests.

Work Environment

• Location: Onsite
• Travel Requirements: minimal
• Working Hours: Standard

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in flight test engineering, encompassing all phases of the test lifecycle.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in defining test requirements, developing test plans and procedures, and executing flight tests.
• Proven ability in flight data analysis and the generation of comprehensive test reports.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, avionics, flight controls, and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of FAA and/or military specifications and certification requirements.

Desired

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• 15+ years of hands‑on test experience
• Experience with aerial refueling test and evaluation.
• Graduate of a military Experimental Test Pilot School or FAA Flight Analyst DER.
• Experience with unmanned aircraft platforms and mission systems.
• Familiarity with relevant military standards (e.g., MIL‑HDBK‑516, JSSG series).
• Experience with temporary modification of test aircraft.
• Experience with collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) platforms and supporting software architecture.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and software (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• DAWIA Test and Evaluation certification.
• Experience with mission planning and execution

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.