Sr Test Engineer

AviHire; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AviHire is seeking an experienced test engineer in the United States to lead development, review, and maintenance of comprehensive test artifacts for mission systems and avionics. You will drive program-level test strategy, coordinate schedules, assess risks, and ensure configuration control across RF and electronic test environments.

You will also execute developmental and flight tests, manage end-to-end system verification, and mentor junior staff while coordinating with systems, avionics,

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related field; DoD/FAA experience preferred.
• TS clearance with SCI eligibility required.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams and programs.
• Strong knowledge of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
• Extensive proficiency with RF and electronic test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and maintain test artifacts per requirements.
• Pilot program-level test strategy including scheduling and risk mgmt.
• Execute flight/test activities for mission systems and avionics.
• Lead integration, issue investigations, and data analysis.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to align test with objectives.

Skills

Test engineering

Leadership

RF testing

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Requirements management

Systems integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree may substitute for experience

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Multimeters

Data acquisition systems

Transducers

Accelerometers

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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.

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, including 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 (TRR), Safety Review Boards, Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and post-test data analysis activities.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Coordinate with systems engineering, avionics, software, program management, and quality teams to ensure test activities align with technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to junior test engineers and support personnel.

Qualifications You Must Have

• 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 the ability to complete Altitude Chamber training.
• Expert understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
• 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 selloff.
• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• 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, including coordination 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.