Sr Test Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 113,428 - 155,964; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Generous benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a Senior Test Engineer in Hagerstown, MD. You will lead complex testing projects, develop and execute test plans, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Your expertise in avionics systems and RF/electronic test equipment will be crucial in planning and conducting tests for advanced aircraft systems.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in test engineering and holds an active Top Secret clearance. Competitive compensation and benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role.
• Expert understanding of test and evaluation principles.
• Active United States Top Secret Security clearance with SCI eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive test artifacts.
• Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities.
• Lead aircraft system integration and subsystem functional checkout.

Skills

Test engineering

Avionics systems

RF and electronic test equipment

Systems integration

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Data acquisition systems

Multimeters

Accelerometers

Job description

Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Senior Test Engineer, you will lead the most complex and critical testing projects within the organization. You will develop sophisticated test plans, mentor junior engineers, and ensure the highest level of product performance and compliance with industry standards.

The Senior Test Engineer plays a critical role in the planning, execution, and certification of advanced aircraft and avionics systems for U.S. Department of Defense, allied, and international customers. This position leads requirements‑based verification activities across System Integration Labs, aircraft integration, and ground and flight test environments. The role involves extensive system testing of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems.

Responsibilities

• Planning & Documentation – develop, review, and maintain comprehensive test artifacts, including flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports, in accordance with program, regulatory, and customer requirements; pilot program‑level test strategy development, including schedule planning, risk identification, configuration management coordination, and resource alignment.
• Hands‑On Testing – execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for mission systems, sensors, and avionics across SIL, ground, and aircraft test environments; operate and configure RF and electronic test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition systems, transducers, and accelerometers.
• Integration & Troubleshooting – lead aircraft system integration efforts, subsystem functional checkout, and end‑to‑end system verification; lead test anomaly investigations, root‑cause analysis, and corrective action coordination; champion in Test Readiness Reviews, Safety Review Boards, Flight Readiness Reviews, and post‑test data analysis activities.
• Collaboration & Leadership – coordinate with systems engineering, avionics, software, program management, and quality teams to align test activities with technical, cost, and schedule objectives; provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to junior test engineers and support personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field; 10+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role (higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience).
• FAA Class III Medical Certificate with ability to complete Altitude Chamber training.
• Expert understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies, and thorough understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary design and development teams.
• Advanced proficiency with RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition units, transducers, and accelerometers.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft avionics systems and architectures, including integration of mission systems, communication, navigation, surveillance, and related subsystems.
• Ability to interpret engineering schematics and technical data, troubleshoot complex systems, and apply structured diagnostic methods.
• Experience developing, executing, and documenting ground and flight test plans and procedures from planning through requirements‑based verification and sell‑off.
• Demonstrated capability in requirements management, including derivation, allocation, traceability, verification, and compliance documentation.
• Excellent technical communication and documentation skills, with the ability to produce clear test artifacts, reports, and engineering correspondence.
• Active United States Top Secret Security clearance with SCI eligibility required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and other missionized aircraft efforts.
• Strong familiarity with MIL‑STD and aerospace environmental and electromagnetic standards, including DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑810, and MIL‑STD‑461.
• Hands‑on experience supporting FAA and/or military airworthiness certification activities.
• Proficiency with requirements management tools, such as DOORS or Jama, for requirement traceability and verification.
• Proven experience serving in a lead test engineering or integration IPT role, coordinating across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Working knowledge of Product and Quality Assurance principles, including the creation, analysis, and disposition of non‑conformance reports.
• Broad experience with test equipment, standards, and methodologies, including both manual and automated test execution.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

Salary & Compensation

• Estimated Starting Salary Range: $113,428.57 - $155,964.28.
• Compensation varies based on skills, experience, and education.
• SCC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
• SCC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%; life insurance; 3 weeks paid time off; tuition reimbursement; and more.

Security Clearance

• This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility.
• U.S. Citizenship status is required for employment; non‑U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• SCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.