Test Director - F-16

CAE Inc; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Work-life balance

Job summary

CAE USA Inc. is seeking a Test Director to lead comprehensive testing and evaluation of military and simulation training systems in Arlington, Texas.

The role focuses on integration, planning, and delivering validated test results for fixed-wing and simulators, with strong customer interaction. The ideal candidate will have a SECRET clearance, extensive leadership experience, and aviation system knowledge, including pilot experience with F-16 blocks.

Qualifications

• SECRET security clearance required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (customer users, USAF, USN SMEs).
• Good analytical skills.
• Experience interfacing with customers and end users.
• Ability to lead a team of engineers.
• Self-motivated to address testing concerns.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems and the associated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead all test effort; system tests, acceptance tests, configuration, scheduling, and customer interface.
• Write test plans, conduct tests, document results, and ensure discrepancy resolution.
• Manages hardware & software system integration.
• Conducts mission environment testing.
• Monitor and control testing aspects of the program for cost, schedule and technical issues.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Customer interfacing

Team leadership

Pilot experience (F-16)

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering/CS/Business

Job description

As an Instructor Pilot at CAE, your role soars beyond training. You build confidence and skill, inspire mastery, and ensure pilots are prepared for the moments that matter. Whether leading simulator sessions or pre-flight briefings, you'll contribute to CAE’s legacy of flight training excellence while keeping your own skills sharp. Supported by advanced training and cutting-edge technology, you'll grow as an educator and find purpose in helping pilots excel, no matter the challenges they face.

Who We Are

CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, and civil aviation by revolutionizing our customers’ training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness. CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness. CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer

Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary

A Test Director (TD) shall provide the testing and evaluation of Military Single or Multi-Engine Fixed-Wing aircraft for the design, development, production, test, and sell-off of simulation training devices. A Test Director builds, leads, and executes integration, test and deployment activities and plans to evaluate program requirements that have been verified and validated prior to customer acceptance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Participate in all phases of system design, including requirements definition.
• Subject Matter Experts (SME) for their application.
• Manages Hardware & software system integration.
• Conducts mission environment testing.
• Lead all test effort; system tests, acceptance tests, configuration, scheduling, and customer interface.
• Write test plans, conduct tests, document results, and ensure discrepancy resolution.
• Manages discrepancy review boards.
• Monitor and control testing aspects of the program for cost, schedule and technical issues.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• SECRET security clearance required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (customer users, USAF, USN SMEs).
• Good analytical skills.
• Experience interfacing with customers and end users.
• Ability to explain technical concerns to customer.
• Ability to lead a team of engineers.
• Self-motivated to address, evaluate, and if necessary, correct testing concerns.
• Knowledge of aircraft systems and the associated environment.
• Organizational skills and integrity to run a rigorous test program while holding to the contractual requirements.
• Pilot experience preferably in Block 40,50 F-16 (current Guard or Reserve experience a plus).
• Ability to work weekends and off-shifts as required.
• Ability to travel to site for installs and upgrades.
• 6+ years of related experience.

Preferred Skills

• TS/SCI clearance a plus.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, Computer Science, or Engineering degree.
• Weapons School or Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor experience a plus.
• Prefer 6+ years of aviation industry experience.
• Experience in use of simulation training devices and products.
• Test experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing long-term business relationships with the customer or end user community.

Security Responsibilities

• Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures.
• Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form.
• Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know.
• Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval.
• All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.
• Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.
• Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

• This is not a remote position.
• The primary work location is in Arlington, Texas.
• This is required to be a full-time position and is not available to be or become part-time.
• Will be required to sit down for long periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs to enter and exit a simulator, and enter simulator cockpit which can include restrictive spaces.
• Must be able to travel extensively to CONUS and to OCONUS sites for extended periods to support program work.
• Routine travel required supporting site modifications and installs (up to 50%).
• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Moderate levels of work stress associated with technical, schedule, and customer issues are to be expected with this position.
• Extended work hours and occasional 2nd or 3rd shift assignments can be encountered.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Must be able to work for long periods of time standing, stooping and bending, and also lifting up to forty (40) to fifty (50) pounds, with no limitations/restrictions.
• Must be able to climb and work from ladders.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Position Type Regular

Equal Opportunity Employer CAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. At CAE, everyone is welcome to contribute to our success.

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Data Privacy

As part of our process, we may use AI-supported tools to help review applications, with human decision-making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.

Additional Information

We hold ourselves accountable for building an inclusive community at every level, and our comprehensive benefits support you professionally and personally. Together, we are All For shaping a future where safety, sustainability, and inclusivity lead the way.