Principal Flight Test Engineer

MTSI; Eglin Air Force Base (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 20 days + 10 holidays

Health insurance

401k match

ESOP

Annual education reimbursement

Job summary

MTSI in the United States (Eglin AFB, FL) seeks a Principal Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test activities for USSOCOM fixed-wing capabilities, supporting Det 1 commander and PEO-FW leaders. You will plan and execute high-visibility missions aboard AFSOC aircraft and shape test objectives across DoD ranges.

You will work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and DoD partners to manage data, safety, and results, travel to test events, and deliver clear reports for senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testing.
• Experience with Group 5 UAS command and control, airborne networks, and data links.
• Ability to prepare flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews and test cards.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS development.
• Lead test objectives, plans, and documentation for successful execution.
• Coordinate test venues, assets, participants across the DoD enterprise.

Skills

Aviation T&E

Group 5 UAS C2

Open mission architecture

Flight test planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

DoD test & eval processes

Job description

How you will contribute to our National Security and Defense Mission:As a Principal Flight Test Engineer for MTSI, you will be at the center of cutting-edge development for USSOCOM’s fixed wing capabilities. You will directly support the USSOCOM Det 1 commander and the USSOCOM PEO-FW Materiel Leaders, leading high-visibility test missions that accelerate advanced technologies into the hands of the operational warfighters. From planning complex flight test events to executing missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, you will shape the systems that define the future of special operations. These duties will require you to acquire technical knowledge of all key AFSOC Group 1-5 UAS systems and software. This position will be in the Eglin AFB, FL area.You will be a great fit for this role if:You have a passion for aerospace, defense, special operations, and advanced technologiesYou understand the urgent need to modernize our defense systems and give our warfighters the best possible toolsPaying attention to detail and providing excellent customer service in a professional environment is a skill you excel atYou are passionate about continuous learning and growth, and you seek opportunities to challenge yourselfYou are driven to make a meaningful impact through your workResponsibilities:Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:Core Technical Leadership:Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS system developmentUse experience operating Group 3 to Group 5 UAS to influence Command and Control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architecturesDevelop mission‑driven test objectives, plans, and documentation that guide successful executionApply deep technical knowledge to evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leadersEvaluate and validate AI system performance, robustness, safety, and reliability using defined metrics and test frameworksMission Planning & Execution:Lead and participate in detailed flight test event planningPrepare mission execution schedules aligned with program timelinesServe as test conductor for programs involving Group 1-5 UAS and their associated networks, executing live missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, in DoD control rooms, and Ground Control Stations across the countryIntegration & Coordination:Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterpriseManage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teamsFacilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirementsData, Analysis & Instrumentation:Work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and vendors to define data needsOversee data management plans, ensuring robust collection, analysis, and distribution methodsIdentify technical risks related to data quality, model performance, AI behavior, security, and integration, and develop mitigation strategiesReporting & Communication:Deliver clear, concise, and timely reports that capture results and recommended follow‑on actionsCommunicate test status, risks, and readiness assessments to senior government leaders and program stakeholders to support informed decision‑makingAbility to communicate and collaborate across multiple disciplines; engineering, program management, and aircrewMaintain accurate documentation that enables effective cross‑team collaborationQualifications:8+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testingUnderstanding and significant experience with Group 5 UAS (such as MQ-9) command and control, airborne networks, and/or associated data linksExperience/knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and comm/radar systemsWorking knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policiesExperience preparing flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews, and test cardsProficiency with Microsoft Office productsExcellent written and oral communication skillsAbility to travel to test events and program meetingsAbility to obtain FAA Class 3 flight physicalAbility to fly on military aircraft and operate in Ground Control Stations (GCS) or Control RoomsEducation:Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or scienceEven Better if you have these desired skills:Master of Science degree in engineering or scienceExperience with Group 1-4 sUAS operations and/or testing on DoD rangesAutonomous system test experienceExperience using Artificial Intelligence as a tool or in testingTest Pilot School graduate (USAF/USN/NTPS)Experience testing at various DoD test rangesDemonstrated planning, coordination and execution skills on AFSOC or similar aircraft platformsKnowledge of installed systems/subsystems and support equipment of AFSOC aircraftKnowledge of AFSOC avionics/mission systems, munitions systems and comm/radar systemsDoD acquisition experienceClearance Requirements:Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance. A Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP eligibility) is HIGHLY desired#LI-BH1#mtsi#mtsijobsSecretPerks and BenefitsVacation:New Hires Accrue 20 days of PTO and 10 Holidays per YearHealth Insurance:Zero Deductible Health PlansFlexible Schedules:Flex SchedulesProfessional Development:Up to $10,000 Annual Education/Training ReimbursementESOP:Funded Stock Ownership Plan401k Match+:6% 401k Match + Immediate VestingBonus Program:Semi-Annual Bonus OpportunityMentorship:Career Mentorship ProgramsWhy is MTSI a great place to workInteresting Work:Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.Values:Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.100% Employee Owned:We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/yearFlexible schedules6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annuallySemi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber)Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement accountUp to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursementOther company funded benefits, like life and disability insuranceOptional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance planTrack Record of Success:We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission AssuranceMTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.For more information about MTSI, please visitwww.mtsi-va.comEEO StatementMTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.Why is MTSI a great place to workInteresting Work: Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.Values: Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.100% Employee Owned: We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/yearFlexible schedules6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annuallySemi-annual bonus eligibility (July and Decemeber)Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement accountUp to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursementOther company funded benefits, like life and disability insuranceOptional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance planTrack Record of Success: We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission AssuranceMTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com