Senior Aerospace Operations & Flight Test Engineer

American Systems; Edwards (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

American Systems, a 100% employee-owned federal contractor at Edwards AFB (CA), seeks an Operations Engineer to support NASA AFRC in a fast-paced aerospace research environment. You will provide technical leadership across operations and integration activities, coordinating with NASA and industry partners on autonomous aircraft projects. The role emphasizes safety reviews, test planning, and robust engineering support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM required; master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience supporting flight test activities on Gulfstream aircraft.
• On-site daily at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.
• 9/80 schedule with alternating Fridays off; core hours 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Occasional travel locally or longer distance by car or air.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies.
• Support aircraft operations, modifications, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting.
• Lead Operations Engineer activities for AFRC projects, including autonomous aircraft technologies and flight vehicle integration.
• Maintain aircraft configuration management and documentation (COAs, directives).
• Lead flight test planning and test card development; participate in safety reviews and risk assessments.

Skills

Flight test experience

Gulfstream aircraft

Systems engineering

Risk management

Airworthiness

Autonomous aircraft

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree is a plus

Job description

American Systems, a 100% employee-owned federal contractor at Edwards AFB (CA), seeks an Operations Engineer to support NASA AFRC in a fast-paced aerospace research environment. You will provide technical leadership across operations and integration activities, coordinating with NASA and industry partners on autonomous aircraft projects. The role emphasizes safety reviews, test planning, and robust engineering support.