Senior Flight Test Engineer � Active TS/SCI

MDA Edge; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 124,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Edge is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to lead verification and validation strategies for major aerospace programs. The role requires overseeing test execution, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with military standards. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in test engineering and leadership within defense systems. This opportunity includes competitive compensation and collaboration within a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of DoD systems test engineering experience.
• Proven leadership in large-scale DT/OT efforts.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute end-to-end test strategies.
• Lead ground and flight test events.
• Guide junior engineers and ensure adherence to certification requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Test Automation

Systems Integration

Mentorship

Education

B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Engineering or related discipline

M.S. a plus

Tools

MATLAB

Pandas

JMP

Python

Robot Framework

Jenkins

Ansible

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by MDA Edge. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$124,725.00/yr - $193,000.00/yr

As Senior Test Engineer, you will architect and execute the endtoend verification, validation, and flighttest strategy for Major Release from benchlevel checkout in the Integration SIL to operational acceptance on multiple aircraft.

Essential Job Functions

Strategy & Planning:

• Build the Programlevel Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) that links Nomad hardware, Smith software, and Watch opssupport elements to CJADC2 mission threads and MR 2 exit criteria.
• Define DT/OT entrance & exit gates, traceability matrices, and milestone metrics within the Integrated Master Schedule.
  
  

System Integration Laboratory (SIL) Leadership

• Design lab architectures replicating platform power, data, and environmental interfaces; oversee daily ops, configuration control, and security accreditation.
• Implement automated regression suites (Python/Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, IXIA/Spirent) covering functional, performance, and cyberresilience tests.
  
  

Developmental & Operational Test Execution

• Lead ground and flighttest events: draft test cards, hazard analyses, Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT), and SafetyofFlight packages.
• Serve as lead flighttest engineer or groundtest conductor, capturing telemetry, logs, and spectrum traces; troubleshoot anomalies in real time.
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Perform statistical analysis of throughput, latency, crypto handshake times, SWaPC impacts, and missioneffect metrics.
• Produce concise afteraction reports, deficiency reports (DRs), and recommendations for corrective action to IPTs and senior USAF stakeholders.
  
  

Continuous Integration/DevSecOps

• Integrate test automation hooks into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; ensure every 90day Smith build passes gated SIL tests before promotion.
• Champion a "shiftleft testing mindsetembedding verification earlier in design reviews and digital engineering artifacts.
  
  

Mentorship & Collaboration

• Guide junior test engineers, platform SPO test reps, and Government civilians on best practices for agile T&E.
• Interface with NSA, DISA, and flightsafety authorities to align test artifacts with certification needs (ATO, crypto, airworthiness).
  
  

Required Skills

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related discipline (M.S. a plus) and 15+ years of DoD systemofsystems test engineering, including labtoflight progression.
• Proven leadership of largescale DT/OT efforts for avionics, communications, or C2 systems.
• Handson with test automation frameworks, instrumentation, and dataanalysis tools (MATLAB, Pandas, JMP, or similar).
• Familiarity with MILSTD810/461, RCC 324/12515, or comparable environmental and EMI/EMC standards.
  
  

Desired Skills

• Previous work on ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, or tactical datalink programs.
• Experience with Type1 crypto, crossdomain solutions, and RMF/eMASS artifacts.
• Flighttest credentials (USAF TPS grad, FAA DER, or equivalent).
• Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification; knowledge of ModelBased Test (MBSEdriven test cases).

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Staffing and Recruiting

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