Mission Planning Test Engineer, B-52 Test Lead

COLSA Corp.; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor seeks a Mission Planning Test Engineer to support U.S. Air Force operations at Eglin AFB. The role involves software testing, integration expertise, and collaboration in mission operations. Candidates must have aviation experience and relevant technical backgrounds, with opportunities to enhance mission support capabilities through direct involvement with military command clients.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical and dental

401(k) with company match

Education & certification reimbursement

Paid time off and holidays

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 10+ years or Bachelor’s degree with 18+ years of experience required.
• Active DoD Secret clearance mandatory.
• Ability to communicate effectively in technical writing and briefings.

Responsibilities

• Provide mission planning domain expertise and serve as authority on software integration.
• Plan tests and assess program effectiveness concerning mission planning software.
• Work in classified environments, attending various meetings related to mission planning.

Skills

Aviation experience

Software testing expertise

Team communication

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Technical Bachelor’s degree

HS Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Automated mission planning software

Job description

Mission Planning Test Engineer, B-52 Test Lead

Tracking Code

9091-987

Posted Date

4/15/2025

Job Location

Location of Position

Work Arrangement

On Site: 100%

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Clearance Required?

Yes

Level of Clearance Required

Secret

Job Description:

The team is searching for a mission planning software tester to support the 45 th Test Squadron and the United States Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.The Mission Planning Systems Test Team conducts independent assessments on Air Force mission planning systems to determine if the software is suitable for operational use.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, “Agile” software development environment, directly supporting warfighter mission planning, this is the team for you. This position evaluates the integration of the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) Framework, Common Components (CC) and B-52 Unique Planning Component (UPC). If you have the desire to ensure the mission planning software, meets the expectations of the Major Commands (MAJCOMS), this job is for you.

We are looking for aviation professionals (pilots, and navigators) with experience planning and executing conventional and nuclear combat missions. Test experience (requirements, test planning, test execution and reporting) is desired but not required. Professional interaction and communication with non-collocated team members (developers, program managers, Major Command representatives, military users, other test agencies) is essential.

This position requires some travel and work in both classified and unclassified environments.

This position provides the following mission planning test support directly to the 45th Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, FL:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide mission planning domain expertise and frequently serve as the final authority on software integration, test, and deployment
• Provide mission planning domain expertise in questions/issues of critical importance to the customer
• Plan tests, establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and investigate/analyze unusual testing conditions, problems, or questions. Work facilitates software development, production, design, or procurement, and affects the efficiency or productivity of a test facility or test activity. Software evaluations may result in new testing techniques or involve assessments, which are often the decision basis for large expenditures
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor test projects that frequently require significant modifications of standard practices or adaptation of instrumentation to obtain valid results. Plan, monitor and evaluate tests, and assess the feasibility and soundness of proposed evaluation methods. Make recommendations and commitments to program management leadership/personnel
• Demonstrate software experience in the Windows 10 or newer environment
• Demonstrate strong aviation or mission planning experience with functions provided by the software, including operational use of comparable systems.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the software or class of software being tested, to include experience with the existing software, previous versions, future versions or any associated software used in conjunction with the software being tested
• Maintain testing/test methodology experience, including testing of software/hardware, such as unit, integration, system, or acceptance testing, and familiarity with Air Force directives, processes and procedures
• Maintain experience in the developmental/operational testing of any research, development, or test and evaluation software associated with aircraft, weapons, range instrumentation, or other computer systems
• Maintain experience in the use of automated mission planning software
• Be able to travel to attend required meetings (such as Program Management Reviews, Engineering Design Reviews, Formal Qualification Tests, and other mission planning enterprise/program meetings) CONUS
• Normally work 40 hours per week. Must be willing to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, when required, to meet mission requirements.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “FamilyofProfessionals!”Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefitshere .

Required Experience

Required Experience:

• One of the following combinations is required:
• Master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 10 years of related technical experience
• Technical Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of 18 years of related technical experience
• HS Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 22 years of related technical experience
• Current and active DoD Secret clearance required.Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD TOP SECRET clearance. U.S. Citizenship
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team and to influence the work of others to produce a product of desired quality.
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of and extensive experience/training in the problem domain of the mission planning software being tested.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including communication skills in areas of technical writing, briefings, and formal presentations.
• Must have or be able to obtain DOD 8570.01-M IAT Level 2 certification (Security+CE) or higher within 6 months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• B-52 aircrew experience (pilot/navigator) is highly desired
• Ability to conduct mission planning using automated tools is highly desired
• Proficiency in the use and integration of Microsoft Office applications is highly desired
• Proficiency with mission planning developmental or operational testing is highly desired
• Understanding and experience with Agile software development processes and procedures are highly desired

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.