Flight Test Engineer

WGS SYSTEMS LLC; Maryland; On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

WGS Systems, LLC is seeking Flight Test Engineers with ISA ISR flight testing experience. Primary work will occur in Hagerstown, MD with occasional travel to various events.

You will operate a multi-modal sensor suite from a modified business jet, performing real-time troubleshooting and health monitoring to ensure high-quality data for mission partners. The role requires an active TS/SCI clearance, FAA Class III flight physical, and strong experience with SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a STEM field.
• 3–7 years of flight test engineering, airborne sensor operations, or systems integration/test.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory for this role.
• Ability to obtain FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent).

Responsibilities

• In-Flight System Operation: onboard operator for multi-modal sensor suite and real-time parameter adjustment.
• Airborne Troubleshooting: real-time diagnosis and troubleshooting during flight operations.
• Ground Test Support: lead pre-flight and post-flight system buy-offs and ground tests.
• Data Integrity Management: ensure all mission data is recorded with proper metadata.
• Test Documentation: maintain flight logs and discrepancy reports.
• Safety & Coordination: adhere to safety standards and coordinate with pilots and ground stations.

Skills

Flight operations

Troubleshooting

Data handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/ CS/ STEM

Tools

Linux-based mission computers

Job description

Job Description

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.