Flight Test Engineer-UAS / Counter-UAS System

OWT Global LLC; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Responsibilities include flight test planning, execution, and data analysis to evaluate system performance. The ideal candidate will have experience with UAS, test engineering, and a strong background in data evaluation. This role requires effective communication skills and the ability to work in a dynamic environment. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a related field and an active security clearance.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in flight test engineering or aerospace system validation.
• Experience with data collection architectures and flight test instrumentation.
• Active Secret security clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute developmental flight tests for UAS and C-UAS systems.
• Support integration and validation of multi-sensor architectures.
• Analyze test data to evaluate detection accuracy and mission effectiveness.

Skills

Experience with UAS and Counter-UAS systems

Data analysis

Telemetry systems

Strong problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Telemetry analysis software

Job description

Flight Test Engineer – UAS / Counter-UAS Systems

OWT Global is seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Flight Test Engineer to support the development, integration, and operational testing of advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies. The selected candidate will provide hands‑on support for flight test planning, system integration, and execution of test events to evaluate performance across multi‑sensor detection, tracking, and mitigation solutions.

The Flight Test Engineer will be responsible for developing and executing test plans and procedures, supporting flight operations, and ensuring accurate collection of telemetry and sensor data. This role will focus on post‑mission data analysis to assess system performance, identify anomalies, and evaluate mission effectiveness. The engineer will also develop data‑driven analytical products, including performance assessments and correlation models, to support operational decision‑making and system improvement.

Working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, the Flight Test Engineer will interface with autonomy developers, sensor engineers, system integrators, and operators to refine system capabilities and support iterative development. The role requires the ability to translate complex test data into actionable insights that enhance system performance, inform program direction, and support customer objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in flight test, data analysis, and system integration, with experience supporting UAS, C-UAS, or related aviation and defense systems. This position requires the ability to operate effectively in dynamic test environments and contribute to mission‑critical efforts supporting air domain awareness and counter‑UAS operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Flight Test Planning & Execution
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute developmental and operational flight tests for UAS and C-UAS systems
  • Develop test plans, test cards, safety documentation, and flight procedures
  • Coordinate with test ranges, regulatory authorities, and airspace managers
  • Support range safety, risk assessments, and airworthiness considerations for flight operations
  • Provide real‑time monitoring and quick‑look analysis during test execution to inform mission adjustments
• System Integration & Validation
  • Support integration and validation of multi‑sensor and C‑UAS architectures, including:
    • RF detection systems
    • Radar and EO/IR sensors
    • Electronic warfare payloads
    • Counter‑UAS mitigation systems
    • Autonomous mission management software
  • Integrate and validate data exchange with command and control (C2) systems and distributed network architectures
  • Evaluate system performance against technical, operational, and mission‑level requirements
• Data Collection & Telemetry Management
  • Design and implement data collection architectures for flight test events
  • Capture and manage telemetry, sensor data, RF signatures, and mission logs
  • Ensure precise time synchronization across all test assets and data sources
  • Validate data integrity and completeness for post‑mission analysis and correlation
• Data Analysis & Correlation Product Development
  • Analyze test data to evaluate detection accuracy, tracking fidelity, latency, and mitigation effectiveness
  • Develop multi‑sensor correlation products that fuse data across platforms and systems
  • Build analytical products and visualizations to support:
    • Threat detection timelines
    • Sensor fusion performance
    • Tracking accuracy
    • Engagement outcomes
    • Mission effectiveness assessments
  • Develop mission playback tools, dashboards, and data visualization products
  • Apply quantitative performance metrics and statistical analysis to ensure repeatability and rigor
• Digital Engineering & Data Integration
  • Support digital engineering frameworks to enable traceability between requirements, test events, and performance outcomes
  • Contribute to structured data environments supporting repeatable analysis and model‑based evaluation
  • Enable integration of test data into broader system models and engineering workflows
• Autonomy & Advanced System Evaluation
  • Evaluate autonomy behaviors, decision logic, and AI‑enabled system performance
  • Support testing of sensor fusion algorithms and autonomous mission execution capabilities
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Produce and maintain flight test plans
  • Produce and maintain test execution reports, data analysis reports, system performance assessments
  • Present findings to engineering leadership, program managers, and government stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Experience with UAS and Counter-UAS systems
• 3–7 years of experience in flight test engineering, UAS testing, or aerospace system validation
• Experience with telemetry systems, flight test instrumentation, and data collection architectures
• Strong experience with data analysis, correlation, and visualization tools
• Understanding of networking concepts and system integration (C2, data exchange, latency)
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Experience with technical documentation and test reporting
• Active Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain)

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Data Engineering, or related field
• Familiarity with RF sensing, radar, EO/IR systems, and electronic warfare
• Experience supporting DoD test ranges, range safety processes, or military exercises
• Knowledge of autonomy, sensor fusion, and AI‑enabled mission systems
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and Class II Flight Physical
• Experience with:
  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • Data analytics platforms
  • GIS mapping tools
  • Telemetry analysis software
• Familiarity with MBSE and Digital Engineering environments

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of flight test methodologies, performance evaluation metrics, and test execution processes
• Knowledge of multi‑sensor systems, data fusion, and air domain awareness architectures
• Ability to analyze large, complex datasets and develop meaningful performance insights
• Ability to correlate multi‑source data (telemetry, sensor, RF, Radar, operator inputs) into cohesive analytical products
• Strong problem‑solving skills in dynamic, mission‑critical environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving test objectives and system configurations
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams
• Attention to detail in data validation, synchronization, and reporting

Work Environment

• Primary duty location is MacDill AFB, Florida.
• Operational environment supporting live UAS and airspace management activities.
• Close coordination with engineers, operators, and program leadership in fast‑paced, mission‑critical environments.
• May require coordination with multiple stakeholders, including government personnel, contractors, and external partners.
• Occasional travel for training, integration events, or system support activities.
• May require flexible hours, including support during testing events or mission operations.