Principal Flight Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.; Florida; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 20 days/yr

10 holidays/yr

6% 401k match

Annual bonus eligibility

ESOP ownership

Educational reimbursement up to $10,00

Health insurance options

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) seeks a Principal Flight Test Engineer to lead senior flight test activities for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS development in the Eglin AFB, FL area.

The role drives test objectives, plans, and execution across live missions aboard military aircraft and DoD control rooms. You will collaborate with government leaders, program stakeholders, and DoD personnel to ensure readiness, safety, and robust data collection.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testing.
• Significant experience with Group 5 UAS (e.g., MQ-9) C2, airborne networks, and data links.
• Experience/knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and comm/radar systems.
• Working knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policies.
• Experience preparing flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews, and test cards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS system development.
• Influence Command and Control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architectures.
• Develop mission-driven test objectives, plans, and documentation guiding execution.
• Evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leaders.
• Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterprise.
• Manage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teams.
• Facilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirements.
• Deliver clear, concise reports and communicate test status to stakeholders.

Skills

Flight test leadership

Aviation developmental testing

Group 1-5 UAS systems

C2 networks and data links

AI system evaluation

Flight test planning

Safety processes

MS Office

Technical communication

Travel to test events

FAA Class 3 flight physical

Operate on military aircraft

Education

Bachelor of Science in engineering or science

Master of Science in engineering or science

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 technologies
• You understand the urgent need to modernize our defense systems and give our warfighters the best possible tools
• Paying attention to detail and providing excellent customer service in a professional environment is a skill you excel at
• You are passionate about continuous learning and growth, and you seek opportunities to challenge yourself
• You are driven to make a meaningful impact through your work

Responsibilities:

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 development
• Use experience operating Group 3 to Group 5 UAS to influence Command and Control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architectures
• Develop missiondriven test objectives, plans, and documentation that guide successful execution
• Apply deep technical knowledge to evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leaders
• Evaluate and validate AI system performance, robustness, safety, and reliability using defined metrics and test frameworks

Mission Planning & Execution:

• Lead and participate in detailed flight test event planning
• Prepare mission execution schedules aligned with program timelines
• Serve 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 country

Integration & Coordination:

• Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterprise
• Manage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teams
• Facilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirements

Data, Analysis & Instrumentation:

• Work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and vendors to define data needs
• Oversee data management plans, ensuring robust collection, analysis, and distribution methods
• Identify technical risks related to data quality, model performance, AI behavior, security, and integration, and develop mitigation strategies

Reporting & Communication:

• Deliver clear, concise, and timely reports that capture results and recommended followon actions
• Communicate test status, risks, and readiness assessments to senior government leaders and program stakeholders to support informed decisionmaking
• Ability to communicate and collaborate across multiple disciplines; engineering, program management, and aircrew
• Maintain accurate documentation that enables effective crossteam collaboration

Qualifications:

• 8+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testing
• Understanding and significant experience with Group 5 UAS (such as MQ-9) command and control, airborne networks, and/or associated data links
• Experience/knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and comm/radar systems
• Working knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policies
• Experience preparing flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews, and test cards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to travel to test events and program meetings
• Ability to obtain FAA Class 3 flight physical
• Ability to fly on military aircraft and operate in Ground Control Stations (GCS) or Control Rooms

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science

Even Better if you have these desired skills:

• Master of Science degree in engineering or science
• Experience with Group 1-4 sUAS operations and/or testing on DoD ranges
• Autonomous system test experience
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence as a tool or in testing
• Test Pilot School graduate (USAF/USN/NTPS)
• Experience testing at various DoD test ranges
• Demonstrated planning, coordination and execution skills on AFSOC or similar aircraft platforms
• Knowledge of installed systems/subsystems and support equipment of AFSOC aircraft
• Knowledge of AFSOC avionics/mission systems, munitions systems and comm/radar systems
• DoD acquisition experience

Clearance Requirements:

• Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance.A Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP eligibility) is HIGHLY desired

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Interesting 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/year
• Flexible schedules
• 6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually
• Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)
• Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account
• Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement
• Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance
• Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan

Track 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 Assurance

MTSI 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

MTSI 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.