Mission Planning Test Engineer - Fighter Weapons - SME

Odyssey; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Odyssey is seeking a SME-level Mission Planning Test Engineer to support the 45th Test Squadron and USAF at Eglin AFB, FL under the TMAS III contract. This senior role requires extensive fighter mission planning experience and knowledge of mission planning software such as JMPS, with work onsite and up to 25% travel.

The ideal candidate will have a Top Secret clearance potential, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to lead testing efforts in both developmental and operational

Qualifications

• SME-level fighter mission planning expertise.
• Operational fighter aircraft experience.
• Active Secret clearance; Top Secret may be required.
• 10+ years of experience may substitute for a technical Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide fighter mission planning domain expertise to the customer and test squadron.
• Serve as the SME authority for fighter mission planning questions and issues.
• Plan tests, establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and investigate unusual test conditions or problems related to fighter missions.
• Support software production, design, or procurement activities affecting fighter mission planning test efficiency.
• Develop operational testing techniques involving software assessments based on operational fighter experience.
• Apply operational fighter and mission planning expertise using systems such as JMPS or comparable mission planning tools.
• Maintain working knowledge of mission planning software under test, including current, prior, future, or associated versions.
• Normally work 40 hours/week, and be willing to work extended hours including weekends and holidays to meet mission requirements.

Skills

Fighter mission planning

Operational testing

Pilot/WSO experience

Team leadership

Written communication

Willingness to travel

Education

Masters degree in a technical field

Bachelor's degree

Tools

JMPS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Odyssey is an exciting opportunity for a SME‑Level Mission Planning Test Engineer supporting the 45th Test Squadron and the United States Air Force at Eglin AFB, FL under the TMAS III contract. This role provides senior‑level fighter mission planning expertise for developmental and operational test programs. The SME will advise, plan, and execute test activities related to fighter mission planning systems, leveraging extensive operational fighter aircrew experience. The position requires deep knowledge of fighter aircraft operations, mission planning software, and operational testing concepts. This is a full‑time, onsite position at Eglin AFB, with travel up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS.

Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to:

• Provide fighter mission planning domain expertise to the customer and test squadron
• Serve as the SME authority for fighter mission planning questions and issues
• Plan tests, establish criteria, assess program effectiveness, and investigate unusual test conditions or problems related to fighter missions
• Support software production, design, or procurement activities affecting fighter mission planning test efficiency
• Develop operational testing techniques involving software assessments based on operational fighter experience
• Apply operational fighter and mission planning expertise using systems such as JMPS or comparable mission planning tools
• Maintain working knowledge of mission planning software under test, including current, prior, future, or associated versions
• Normally work 40 hours/week, and be willing to work extended hours including weekends and holidays to meet mission requirements

Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications

Clearance: Active Secret clearance required; must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance

• SME-level expertise in fighter mission planning
• Thorough working knowledge of fighter aircraft operations and mission execution
• Operational experience as a Pilot or WSO in F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-35, or F-22
• Demonstrated fighter mission planning experience
• Ability to lead, direct, and work effectively within a team
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours when required

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: TS/SCI

Education: Masters degree in a technical field

Years of experience: 10+ years of experience may be substituted for a technical Master’s degree

• Familiarity with JMPS mission planning software
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications

Technical Skills

• Thorough operational knowledge of Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps fighter aircraft
• Military fighter aircrew operational mission execution experience
• Direct operational experience as a Pilot or Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) in F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-35, or F-22
• Fighter mission planning experience using JMPS or comparable systems
• Ability to develop test criteria, evaluate mission planning software performance, and conduct operationally relevant test assessments
• Ability to maintain working knowledge of multiple versions of fighter mission planning software

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work effectively as part of an integrated test team
• Ability to lead and direct the work of others
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to engage professionally with program leadership, enterprise stakeholders, and test community personnel
• Willingness to support high‑tempo test activities including extended hours, weekends, and holidays

Additional Information

Location: Eglin AFB, FL

Work Environment: Onsite

Job Status: Full‑time

Travel: Up to 25% CONUS/OCONUS

#TMAS3

#CTG

Company Overview

Odyssey is a world‑class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military’s operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain‑specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.

Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.

Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.