Flight Test Engineer

WGS Systems, LLC; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Job summary

WGS Systems, LLC is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead airborne sensor testing and real-time flight data operations from an ISR-focused test platform in Hagerstown, MD. The role requires operating a multi-modal sensor suite, troubleshooting in flight, and coordinating ground tests with pilots and engineers.

Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Engineering/CS, 3–7 years in flight test or related fields, and an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in flight test engineering, airborne sensor operations, or systems integration and test.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent).
• Familiarity with radar (SAR/GMTI), EO/IR sensors, and/or SIGINT systems; Linux-based mission computers a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW).
• Perform real-time troubleshooting and health monitoring of sensor systems and mission computers during flight operations.
• Lead pre-flight and post-flight ground tests to ensure readiness and alignment with the test plan.
• Maintain data integrity and verify metadata tags post-flight for analysis.
• Document flight logs and discrepancies with environmental conditions and anomalies.
• Adhere to safety protocols and coordinate with pilots and ground stations for safe test execution.
• Support off-shift missions including night and weekend testing as required.

Skills

Flight test engineering

Airborne sensor operations

Systems integration and test

Troubleshooting

Operational adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/CS or STEM

Tools

Linux-based mission computers

Radar SAR/GMTI

EO/IR sensors

SIGINT systems

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Engineers with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing. Primary work activities will take place in Hagerstown, MD with occasional travel supporting various events.

The successful candidate is a high-tenacity, technically-grounded Flight Test Engineer (FTE) who excels in the dynamic environment of airborne sensor testing. Operating out of a converted business jet, you will be the in the seat, responsible for the real-time operation, troubleshooting, and health monitoring of complex SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW systems. You possess the engineering rigor to identify system anomalies at 30,000 feet and the practical problem-solving skills to implement mid-flight workarounds. With an active TS/SCI clearance and a willingness to support variable "off-shift" schedules, you are dedicated to ensuring that every flight hour results in high-quality, actionable data for our mission partners.

Key Responsibilities/Duties Include

• In-Flight System Operation: Act as the primary onboard operator for a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, SIGINT/EW), executing complex test cards and adjusting system parameters in real-time to meet mission objectives.
• Airborne Troubleshooting: Perform real-time technical diagnosis and hardware/software troubleshooting of sensor systems and mission computers during flight operations to maximize "time-on-station" effectiveness.
• Ground Test Support: Lead pre-flight and post-flight system "buy-offs" and ground integration tests to ensure system readiness and configuration alignment with the test plan.
• Data Integrity Management: Ensure all mission data is recorded correctly, verifying data formats and metadata tags post-flight to streamline the transition to the data analysis team.
• Test Documentation: Maintain detailed flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs), documenting system performance, environmental conditions, and hardware/software anomalies encountered during missions.
• Safety & Coordination: Adhere to all U.S. Army crew rest standards and aviation safety protocols; coordinate closely with pilots and ground stations to ensure safe and effective test execution.
• Off-Shift Execution: Support a variable mission schedule, including night-shift operations and weekend testing, as dictated by weather, platform availability, and mission priority.

Qualification Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or an applicable STEM field
• Experience: 3-7 years of experience in flight test engineering, airborne sensor operations, or systems integration and test.
• Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory. Candidates without an active TS/SCI will not be considered for this specific role.
• Flight Physical: Ability to obtain and maintain a standard FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent).
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with the theory and operation of Radar (SAR/GMTI), EO/IR sensors, and/or SIGINT systems. Experience with Linux-based mission computers is a plus.
• Troubleshooting Skills: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex "system-of-systems" involving high-speed data links, RF cabling, and embedded software interfaces.
• Operational Adaptability: Ability to maintain peak technical performance in a cramped, high-vibration, or high-altitude aircraft environment for extended durations.
• Physical Requirements: Must be comfortable flying in a business jet environment and capable of working in various lighting conditions (night/off-shift).

WGS Systems, LLC, based in Frederick, Maryland, provides systems and products that support our military and homeland security front line personnel. We have been recognized as a small-business industry leader by the state of Maryland by winning the Homeland Security Award from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Our offerings include signal collection and processing systems; first responder protection systems; airborne and ground-based systems development; multiple sensor integration and fusion; radar, imagery, and signal exploitation systems integration; advanced computing and networking architecture development; and communications networks for off-board voice and data dissemination.

We are looking for the highest quality, motivated personnel to help our company continue to grow into the preeminent sensor and system developer for the defense and homeland security of our country.

WGS Systems is proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V.