Test Engineer

Kids for the Future; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking a Senior Test Engineer in Tampa, FL, to lead planning, coordination, and execution of multi-domain unmanned systems testing. You will serve as the lead technical authority for test operations and coordinate with engineering, logistics, cybersecurity, and program management teams in lab and field environments.

The role requires leadership, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to travel to support testing activities, including potential

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level II Flight Physical for UAS operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of test events involving multi-domain unmanned systems in laboratory, controlled, and operational environments.
• Serve as the lead engineer during test activities, demonstrations, evaluations, and operational exercises.
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and oversight to supporting engineers and test personnel.
• Ensure testing aligns with system requirements, mission objectives, safety protocols, and customer expectations.
• Review and validate test procedures, configurations, and operational readiness prior to execution.

Skills

Leading testing activities

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Leadership presence

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Engineering/Technical field preferred

Job description

• Location Hillsborough County,Tampa, FL, 33611,United States
• Base Pay $105,000.00 - $115,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Travel 30%

Description

The Opportunity

The Senior Test Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, execution, and oversight of testing efforts supporting multi-domain unmanned systems (UxS), including air, ground, and maritime platforms, while maintaining accountability for supporting test engineer taskings and team execution.

This position serves as the lead technical authority for test operations and is accountable for ensuring testing activities are executed safely, effectively, and in alignment with mission objectives, customer requirements, and contractual expectations.

The Senior Test Engineer is responsible not only for individual technical execution, but also for leadership, coordination, oversight of supporting personnel, testing schedules, reporting, and operational readiness activities.
This role requires close coordination with engineering, logistics, integration, cybersecurity, operational, and program management teams in both laboratory and field environments.

Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions)

Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning and execution of test events involving multi-domain unmanned systems in laboratory, controlled, and operational environments
• Serve as the lead engineer during test activities, demonstrations, evaluations, and operational exercises
• Provide technical direction, mentorship, and oversight to supporting engineers and test personnel
• Ensure testing aligns with system requirements, mission objectives, safety protocols, and customer expectations
• Review and validate test procedures, configurations, and operational readiness prior to execution

Team Accountability & Oversight

• Maintain accountability for overall team performance, task execution, and quality of work
• Coordinate assignments, priorities, schedules, and deliverables associated with testing operations Ensure deficiencies, risks, and issues are documented, tracked, communicated, and resolved appropriately
• Support continuous improvement in initiatives and operational efficiencies across testing activities

Testing, Evaluation & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and validate test data to assess system reliability, interoperability, safety, and operational effectiveness
• Develop, review, and maintain test plans, reports, after-action reviews, and technical documentation
• Brief leadership, stakeholders, and customers on testing progress, findings, risks, and recommendations
• Support troubleshooting efforts and corrective action implementation for identified system deficiencies

Operational & Field Support

• Support and lead fielding operations, customer demonstrations, operational exercises, and test range activities
• Coordinate setup, execution, and teardown activities at testing locations and operational sites
• Serve as alternate pilot/operator for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) when required
• Support domestic and international travel requirements in support of mission operations and testing events
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% in support of testing activities, operational exercises, demonstrations, and customer requirements

Program & Meeting Support

• Participate in and lead technical meetings, readiness reviews, program discussions, and customer engagements
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure testing objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met
• Support program leadership with technical recommendations, operational planning, and mission execution activities

Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Level II Flight Physical for UAS operations

Education

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related technical field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Technical Degree preferred

Required Skills, Experience & Abilities

• Demonstrated experience leading testing activities, technical teams, or operational engineering efforts
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or government programs
• Experience with multi-domain unmanned systems (UxS), UAS operations, or field-testing activities
• Familiarity with government testing standards, operational procedures, and safety requirements
• Experience supporting fielding operations, operational exercises, and customer demonstrations
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability and execution across teams

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in austere field conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds on occasion (e.g., transporting laptop, presentation materials, or small equipment).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Clear vision and hearing required for meetings, presentations, and communication.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which may include extended periods of standing, walking, or navigating airports and government facilities.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to withstand abnormal environmental conditions
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Professional office environment with standard office equipment (computers, phones, printers).
• Frequent interaction with clients, executives, and government officials in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Regular travel to customer sites, government facilities, and industry events.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requiring adaptability and responsiveness.
• Work may occasionally be performed in secure government facilities, requiring adherence to security protocols.
• This position may involve travel to government test sites, training ranges, and operational locations, including potential OCONUS destinations for short periods of time.
• Work may be conducted in laboratory, workshop, office, and field environments with varying conditions.

Summary

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. NTS will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws for employment.

For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email [e-mail]