Mid-Career Test Operations Engineer - Propulsion

Beyond New Horizons; Tullahoma (TN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Continuing education assistance

Multiple healthcare benefit packages

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Beyond New Horizons is seeking a Mid-Career Test Operations Engineer for the Propulsion Test Group at Arnold AFB, TN. You will oversee test systems, ensuring safety and reliability during operations. Candidates must have a BS in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with 5+ years of experience for Grade L08 or 8+ years for Grade L09.

Responsibilities include planning test strategies and coordinating technical efforts. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, along with opportunities for growth and continued education.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience for Grade L08; 8 years for Grade L09.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute test plans in a control room setting.
• Ensure safety protocols during test operations.
• Generate engineering documentation to support testing.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Aerospace engineering principles

Risk assessment

Decision-making under pressure

Education

BS degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD/CAE tools

Job description

Job Title: Mid-Career Test Operations Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB, TN

Category: Engineering

Grade: L08 (OA0811) – L09 (OA0911)

Salary Range: Grade 08: $93,000 – $123,000; Grade 09: $109,000 – $146,000 per year

Overview

Beyond New Horizons (BNH) offers an opportunity for a Test Operations Engineer in its Propulsion Test Group, supporting the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) in Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The engineer operates and maintains ground test facilities used for development and evaluation of propulsion systems, including turbojet, turbofan air‑breathing engines, and ramjets, in support of United States Air Force test operations.

Open to internal or external candidates. The selected candidate must be available to work any shift to support test needs as mission requires.

Job Summary

We seek a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineer who will act as the “quarterback” in one of the control rooms responsible for planning and executing test plans. The role requires shift work and is integral to a multidisciplinary team that supports national defense through safe and reliable operation of test equipment. Responsibilities include generating risk assessments, test plans, work instructions, and other engineering documentation to support test execution.

Job Duties

• Learn and understand test systems; respond to alarms/alerts in fast‑paced, high‑pressure situations to ensure safety of crew, facility, and test article.
• Respond to system malfunctions during tests, troubleshoot, and direct corrective maintenance or engage the appropriate systems engineer for additional support.
• Coordinate work with superintendents, craft supervisors, and work planners; provide technical leadership for execution of work orders and operational/maintenance procedures.
• Ensure proper test and operations reporting, including Ops Center logs, test resumes, and unplanned event reporting.
• Perform facility characterizations, calibrations, and monitor facility performance; maintain system capability and performance maps.
• Operate assigned test cell systems; develop operational requirements such as test period directives and detailed run programs.
• Direct test system checkouts and testing as required.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers, physicists, and craft technicians in the control room.
• Work extra hours or support off‑shift testing as required.
• Maintain clear communication; utilize various methods of communication effectively.
• Wear company‑issued PPE in accordance with supervision and policy.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Grade L08: minimum of 5 years of progressive and relevant engineering experience.
• Grade L09: minimum of 8 years of progressive and relevant engineering experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance and the AEDC local area network.
• U.S. citizenship required for employment at AEDC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical application of mechanical engineering systems, construction methods, and CAD/CAE tools.
• Experience in multidisciplinary areas such as electrical engineering, mechatronics, or control systems.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with flexibility to accomplish mission objectives.
• Strong communication skills and decision‑making under high‑pressure, time‑sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated success building relationships across engineering and craft workforce.
• Strong organizational skills to track and facilitate project progress.
• Proactiveness and initiative to drive results.
• Technical curiosity and desire for continuous learning.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Continuing education assistance
• Multiple healthcare benefit packages
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid time off and a federally recognized holiday schedule

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

BNH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. U.S. citizenship is required. BNH will not sponsor any applicants for employment authorization or offer immigration related support for this position.