Small UAS Test Manager

KBR Careers; Beavercreek Township (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR Careers is seeking a Small UAS Test Manager to lead test and evaluation activities for sUAS programs within an Air Force SPO. You will work with Program Managers, engineers, and prime contractors to ensure tests are executable, compliant, and aligned with milestones.

The role involves hands-on flight and ground testing, frequent travel to test locations and contractor sites, and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders in a fast-paced acquisition environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, aviation, or systems engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in test and evaluation, flight test, or systems engineering with some UAS/aerospace experience.
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition and T&E processes, including test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to travel to support test activities and program events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Test Manager for sUAS programs, planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational test activities.
• Develop and maintain T&E strategies, test plans, schedules and reports per DoD 5000-series guidance.
• Advise Program Managers and IPT leads on test risk, maturity, verification approaches, and resource needs.
• Coordinate with prime contractors, subcontractors, and government test orgs to define test requirements and data needs.
• Plan and support flight and ground test activities, including travel to test sites and facilities.
• Track and manage test issues and corrective actions with traceability to requirements.
• Support program reviews and briefings by providing clear test status and risk assessments.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Travel readiness

Briefing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, aviation, systems engineering

Job description

Small UAS Test Manager

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Key Responsibilities

The Test Manager provides subject matter expertise for planning and executing test and evaluation activities for Small UAS programs within an Air Force SPO. This role works directly with Program Managers, engineers, and prime contractors to ensure test strategies are executable, compliant, and aligned with acquisition milestones. The position includes hands‑on support of flight and ground testing, along with regular travel to test locations and contractor sites. The ideal candidate is a technically strong, detail‑oriented test professional who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with government and industry stakeholders, and thrives in a fast‑paced acquisition environment.

Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as the Test Manager for sUAS programs, planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational test activities in support of Air Force program objectives.
• Develop and maintain Test and Evaluation (T&E) strategies, test plans, test schedules, and reports in accordance with DoD 5000-series guidance, Air Force instructions, and program acquisition strategies.
• Work day‑to‑day in the System Program Office, advising Program Managers and IPT leads on test risk, technical maturity, verification approaches, and test resource needs.
• Coordinate closely with prime contractors, subcontractors, and government test organizations to define test requirements, data needs, and success criteria.
• Plan and support flight test and ground test activities, including travel to test sites, ranges, labs, and contractor facilities as required.
• Track and manage test issues, deficiencies, and corrective actions, ensuring test results are traceable to requirements and inform program decisions.
• Support program reviews, milestone decisions, and briefings by providing clear, actionable test status, risk assessments, and recommendations to government leadership.

Work Environment

• Location: WPAFB Ohio
• Travel Requirements: Moderate (Up to 20‑50%)
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, aviation, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in test and evaluation, flight test, or systems engineering, with at least some experience on UAS or aerospace systems.
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition and T&E processes, including test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Experience supporting or interfacing with government program offices and prime contractors.
• Ability to travel to support test activities and program events as required.
• Active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Desired Qualifications

• Direct experience with Small UAS (Group 1–3) systems, payloads, datalinks, autonomy, and ground control stations.
• Experience supporting Air Force or AFLCMC programs, test squadrons, or range operations. Familiarity with MIL‑STD test practices, airworthiness, safety releases, and operational assessments.
• Experience managing or contributing to flight test execution at government or contractor test sites.
• Strong briefing skills with experience presenting test results and risk assessments to senior government leadership.
• Active Top Secret clearance or experience working in SCI/SAP environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical tasks while effectively supporting Government‑led teams in a collaborative role.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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