Flight Test Lead Engineer

Leidos; Bridgewater (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Bridgewater, VA is seeking a Flight Test Engineer / Flight Test Director to support ground and airborne testing of mission equipment on fixed-wing aircraft. You will coordinate with engineers across disciplines to ensure test requirements and documentation are completed, and you will lead flight test events with data collection and reporting.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of related experience, with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance and travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum 4 years of related experience or equivalent Leidos equivalency.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Ability to travel throughout the U.S. to support flight tests.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, manage, and execute ground and flight tests on fixed-wing aircraft.
• Review requirements, manuals, and specs; coordinate cross-team and subcontractors for test execution.
• Develop test plans with measurable metrics and methods for system evaluation.
• Lead and execute flight test events with on-site management, data collection, and debriefings.

Skills

Test engineering

Documentation

Communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Instrumentation

Data logging

Job description

Position Summary

The IAS Division at Leidos has an opening in Bridgewater, VA for a Flight Test Engineer / Flight Test Director. This role supports testing of OEM and integrated mission equipment onboard multiple fixed-wing aircraft. The position conducts ground and airborne test events and works closely with systems, mechanical, and electrical engineering, logistics, subcontractors, government representatives, and integrated product/test teams to ensure test requirements and required documentation are completed.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, manage, and execute the full spectrum of ground and flight tests on fixed-wing aircraft.
• Review applicable requirements, system manuals, and specification documentation; coordinate cross-team, subcontractor, and customer personnel for test execution.
• Manage test equipment and calibration procedures and establish instrumentation capability, including strain-gauge installation and data logging.
• Develop test plans with mission-relevant, requirements-traceable, intuitively testable metrics, scope, and methods for system evaluation.
• Lead and execute flight test events, including on-site test management, data collection, preflight briefings, debriefings, and configuration control.
• Analyze test data and produce test reports containing results, supporting data, conclusions, and recommendations based on intended mission, stated requirements, and applicable specifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 4 years of related experience; additional related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree consistent with applicable Leidos equivalency guidelines.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Ability to obtain a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate and complete a hypobaric altitude chamber.
• Ability to travel throughout the U.S. to support flight tests.
• Diverse test engineering experience with electronic and/or mechanical systems.
• Ability to work in an agile, fast-paced environment with strong organizational, scheduling, and documentation skills.
• Comfort presenting preflight mission briefings and program status briefings to customers and senior decision makers.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance.
• Flight Performance and Handling Qualities (FPHQ) experience.
• Knowledge and experience with aircraft systems, including ASE, IFF, radios, and systems engineering.
• Familiarity with FAA and DoD regulations.

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

Pay and Benefits

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Contact and Application Information

Original Posting: October 19, 2026. For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.