Systems Engineer - Hypersonic Test

Protingent; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Insurance plan options (HDHP or POS)

Education/certification reimbursement

Pre-tax commuter benefits

PTO

Administered 401(k) plan

Job summary

Protingent Staffing seeks a Systems Engineer for a contract role in Huntsville, AL, focusing on hypersonic test systems. Lead UHIL/SWIL testing, RCCA investigations, and cross‑functional integration with software and GNC teams.

The candidate will develop test plans, oversee vehicle and propulsion testing, and support flight test planning at government ranges, ensuring system architectures meet safety and performance targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 7–15 years of industry experience in defense or aerospace development programs.
• Hands‑on integration and test experience with hypersonic systems.
• Development‑side program experience required; candidates from government support or SETA/advisory roles will not be considered.
• Demonstrated testing best practices, including managing test configurations, adhering to safety and range procedures, and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop subsystem and system-level test plans and reports for hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems.
• Lead and conduct HWIL, SWIL, ground test and flight test for hypersonic platforms.
• Lead RCCA investigations and eliminate contributors through analysis and hands-on testing.
• Collaborate with Software Engineering to define software and test requirements for GNC systems.
• Support flight test planning, vehicle preparation, and test execution at government ranges.
• Develop system architectures for hypersonic vehicle systems including thermal, propulsion, and GNC subsystems.
• Conduct trade studies and design research to determine optimal requirements and architecture.
• Develop interface definitions, schematics, and design docs; perform peer reviews.
• Participate in planning, design, testing, and deployment to ensure conformance with specs and customer requirements.
• Lead or support SETR including TRR.

Skills

Test planning

Systems engineering

Hypersonic testing

Root cause analysis

GNC

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

Position Title

Systems Engineer – Hypersonic Test

Job Description

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract opportunity located in Huntsville, AL.

Responsibilities

• Develop subsystem and system-level test plans and reports for hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems.
• Lead and conduct various kinds of testing including hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), software-in-the-loop (SWIL), ground test, and flight test for hypersonic platforms.
• Lead root cause corrective action (RCCA) investigations and eliminate contributors through analysis and/or hands‑on testing.
• Work in conjunction with Software Engineering teams to develop software system requirements and test requirements for hypersonic guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems.
• Support flight test planning, vehicle preparation, and test execution at government test ranges.
• Develop system architectures for hypersonic vehicle systems, including thermal protection, propulsion integration, and GNC subsystems.
• Conduct trade studies and perform design research of engineering concepts to determine optimal requirements and system architecture.
• Develop system/subsystem interface definitions, system schematics, and design documentation; perform peer reviews of fellow team members’ work.
• Participate in planning, design, testing, and deployment of moderately complex engineered systems to ensure conformance with functional specifications and customer requirements.
• Lead or support system engineering technical reviews (SETR) including Test Readiness Reviews (TRR).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 7–15 years of industry experience in defense or aerospace development programs.
• Hands‑on integration and test experience with hypersonic systems.
• Development‑side program experience required; candidates from government support or SETA/advisory roles will not be considered.
• Demonstrated testing best practices, including managing test configurations, adhering to safety and range procedures, and organizing data collection and analysis.
• Experience with high‑temperature or high‑Mach aerodynamic environments, propulsion systems, or GNC strongly preferred.
• Sharp analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated technical leadership capabilities with a results‑oriented, hands‑on approach.

Job Details

• Job type: Contract
• Location: Huntsville, AL
• Pay rate range: Market Rate
• Required US citizenship – may be required to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret Clearance.

Benefits Package

• Competitive salaries
• Insurance plan options (HDHP or POS)
• Education/certification reimbursement
• Pre‑tax commuter benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Administered 401(k) plan