Senior Principal Aviation T&E Programs Expert (Part-time)

CNA; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

CNA is seeking a part-time on-call Sr. Aviation Test & Evaluation Expert to join its Advanced Technology Assessment division. The role involves creating and reviewing air vehicle and weapons test designs, planning, and proposing program changes to fit client needs.

Experience with Navy test ranges and test wings is preferred. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a related field and 18+ years in military flight testing, with TS clearance being required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related field required; Military Test Pilot School graduate preferred.
• Eighteen years of cumulative experience in military flight testing, naval aviation operations and military air system acquisitions required.
• Demonstrated expertise in organizational management of flight test organizations and conduct of flight testing; ability to derive novel flight test design from technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Works independently at client site(s) to ensure project organizational designs, test concepts, and test plans are feasible and integrated with supporting test sites.
• Uses Navy developmental and operational test experience to facilitate integrated test program implementation.
• Advises CNA leadership and partners with project directors to support and coordinate with sponsoring organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flight test organization management

Test plan development

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Master’s degree in a related technical field

Job description

CNA, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Friday, September 4, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Friday, January 1, 2027 at 4:59 AM

PRIMARY PURPOSE

This position is located at NAS Pt. Mugu, California

CNA is hiring for a part-time on call Sr. Aviation Test & Evaluation Expert to join it's Advanced Technology Assessment division. This role would create and reviews air vehicle and weapons test design, planning and organizational plans and propose structural T&E program changes to better fit client organizational needs. Our Sr. Aviation T&E Programs Expert would apply experience with Navy test ranges and test wings to speed integration of test planning efforts at client sites. They would provide expert advice to Research Program Directors, Division Vice President on issues related to air system T&E.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Works independently at client site(s) to ensure project organizational designs, test concepts, and test plans are feasible, technically adequate, and well-integrated with the supporting test sites.

2. Uses comprehensive knowledge and direct experience with Navy developmental and operational test organizations to facilitate integrated test program implementation.

3. Advises CNA leadership and partners with project directors to effectively support and coordinate with sponsoring organizations.

4. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field required, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Accredited military Test Pilot School graduate strongly preferred.

2. Experience: Eighteen years of cumulative experience in military flight testing, naval aviation operations and military air system acquisitions required. Direct experience with both air developmental test and operational test is required. Executive leadership experience of a military flight test organization strongly preferred.

3. Skills: Demonstrated expertise in organizational management of flight test organizations and conduct of flight testing. Ability to derive novel flight test design from technical requirements and guide test plan creation. Capacity to coordinate test organization, acquisition program and service security stakeholder planning.

4. Other: Active Top Secret security clearance required.

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster" ,"EEO Poster Supplement" . The pay transparency policy is available here:Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster .To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Job Family Research

Job Function Career Path II - Expert & Research Specialist

CNA, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America