Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI); Edwards (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Financial benefits

Other benefits

Job summary

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to oversee testing and research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School primarily involving the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft. Candidates should have extensive experience in flight test planning, mission systems, and leading military research programs. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, travel may be necessary, and a secret clearance is essential. Competitive salary ranges from $170,000 to $220,000 annually depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in flight tests.
• Hands-on experience with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare.
• Experience leading research programs within military flight tests.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical coordination for X-62 aircraft modifications.
• Assist in evaluating system proposal/change requests.
• Develop test plans and conduct test execution.

Skills

Flight test planning

Mission systems/sensors knowledge

Team collaboration

AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field

Job description

MTSI is seeking Flight Test Engineer (FTE) candidates to lead various research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) primarily on the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), but other TPS aircraft as required. Duty location is at Edwards AFB.

Specific Duties

• During the extensive Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62 (May 2026 to approximately March 2027), responsible for technical coordination of the modifications to the aircraft – with other X-62 project support organizations/personnel.
• Coordinate the aircraft’s mod schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and with 412TW/AFTC when required.
• Assist in developing X-62 system proposal/change requests, and evolving system requirements/needs for the MSU modifications.
• Responsible for the research focused, operations engineering associated with the X-62 aircraft (post-MSU modifications), which include:
• Assisting the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) to coordinate research efforts and their associated test mission efforts that could utilize the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs).
• Aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling.
• Test Execution – Conductor/Director duties.
• Responsible for test planning (test plans and safety plan writing, coordination, approval).
• Including test cards development, coordination, and approvals.
• Other duties in line with MTSI’s core value to “Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems”.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in all phases of planning, executing, and managing flight tests and a reputation of being a team player. The demands of the X-62 are unique due to its leading-edge, low-TRL research mission.
• 5 year minimum (10 years desired) hands‑on experience and knowledge with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare – including AESA radar, IRST, EO/IR imaging, radar warning receivers.
• Direct experience or extensive familiarization with DoD Class II modification processes, aircraft airworthiness & approvals, and aircraft H/W & S/W configuration control.
• Experience with AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems.
• Experience leading research programs within the military flight test domain.
• Experience running or executing missions from a Mission Control Room. Qualified (or skills & experience necessary to achieve qualification) test conductor/director (TC/TD).
• Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee a team of discipline engineers to support Flight Test Operations.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently. Skilled in making valued, trusted, defendable recommendations to leadership.
• Experience generating test plans, flight test mission material, post‑mission & detailed final reports.
• Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers’ requirements and needs.
• This position will be required to start between October 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026.

Desired Qualifications

• Either USAF Test Pilot School Graduate or >10 yrs experience within a military flight test organization, preferably with one of the AFTC centers (Edwards AFB, Eglin AFB, or Holloman).
• Wide breadth of aircraft test related experience, examples include sensors, EW, T‑2 modifications, fight dynamics/performance, aircraft systems, and system networks.
• Developmental Test experience.

Education Requirements

• Required – Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (must have 20+ yrs of relevant work experience).
• Desired – Master’s degree in a STEM field (must have 15+ yrs of relevant work experience).

Travel Requirements

• Travel up to 10% may be required for this position.

Clearance Requirements

• Secret clearance is required.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

The pay range for this position in California is $170,000/year to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.