Test Engineer

Arenatechnologies; Alabama; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intrepid, an SPA Company, seeks a Test Engineer to support Army Launched Effects (LE) product line. You will lead test planning, execution, and reporting for COTS platforms across the lifecycle, collaborating with systems engineers, PMs, and contractors to ensure performance, safety, and reliability.

The role emphasizes fast-paced prototyping and tech insertions, requiring a strong testing background, security clearance, and effective communication with senior leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related field)
• 3-8 years of experience in test planning, test execution, and data analysis
• Experience with COTS technologies and rapid tech upgrades in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to identify and mitigate technical/test risks and lead a team to solutions
• Strong written and oral communication, and ability to present to senior management
• Active Secret security clearance required and maintainable throughout employment

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and execute test plans, procedures, and reports for COTS platforms and technology insertions
• Lead ground, flight, and integration testing of Launched Effects systems in rapid-fielding environments
• Evaluate COTS hardware and software for military utility, performance, and safety
• Investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions during tests
• Identify testing risks and develop mitigation strategies with the team
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior management and external stakeholders
• Coordinate test range scheduling and ensure seamless integration with government partners
• Maintain comprehensive test documentation and support rapid prototype builds and evaluations

Skills

Test planning

Data analysis

COTS integration

Technical leadership

Test reporting

Independent work

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

COTS evaluation tools

Job description

Overview

Intrepid, an SPA Company, brings more than 20 years of experience supporting the Department of Defense and U.S. Government, consistently setting the standard for excellence in the federal marketplace.

Committed to advancing the mission of the U.S. Warfighter, Intrepid leverages technological superiority to deliver innovative solutions across air, space, land, and sea domains.

We are proud to foster a collaborative, dynamic work environment, offering competitive compensation and an industry-leading 401k contribution.

Our team is built through merit and achievement, and we’re always looking for the best and brightest to join us in our growth.

We treat our people like family, we are mission-focused, and we give back! Join us today.

SPA has an immediate opening for a Test Engineer to support the Army Launched Effects (LE) Product Office. The Army Launched Effects (LE) Product Office develops and fields cutting‑edge, Launched Effects systems to enhance lethality, survivability, and situational awareness for Soldiers. We are a dynamic team dedicated to rapid innovation and delivering transformative capabilities to the warfighter. We are seeking a highly skilled Test Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development, evaluation, and fielding of Army Uncrewed LE platforms.

As a Test Engineer in the LE Product Office, you will leverage your experience and abilities in analyzing, assessing, and testing LE vendor platforms across the entire lifecycle. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment that heavily builds upon buying, testing, and fielding Commercial Off‑The‑Shelf (COTS) platforms, followed by the rapid insertion and validation of Technology Upgrades on those same platforms.

Responsibilities

The Test Engineer will be a key member of the engineering team, providing technical support and test leadership in Defense Acquisition. This position is responsible for the planning, execution, and reporting of test activities for LE systems, ensuring they meet rigorous performance, safety, and reliability standards. The role requires a strong understanding of systems engineering and test principles, with a focus on complex systems involving LE Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UASs). The Test Engineer will collaborate closely with systems engineers, project managers, other government offices, test ranges, and contractors to ensure the successful and efficient evaluation of COTS solutions and modernization efforts. This position demands a proactive individual who excels in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced environment and demonstrates a strong ability to adapt to rapid prototyping and tech insertion cycles.

Responsibilities will include:

• Develop, coordinate, and execute test plans, test procedures, and test reports for COTS platforms and subsequent technology insertions.
• Lead and participate in ground testing, flight testing, and integration testing of Launched Effects systems in a fast‑paced, rapid‑fielding environment.
• Provide technical leadership in evaluating COTS hardware and software for military utility, performance capabilities, and safety.
• Investigate and resolve test discrepancies, identify root causes, and lead the team to develop and implement corrective actions during test events.
• Identify technical and testing risks and lead a team to develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Prepare written reports and briefings, formally presenting test results, readiness reviews, and programmatic information to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate component modification, test range scheduling, and upgrade issues with other government agencies, ensuring seamless integration and communication.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including test data, deficiency reports, and other acquisition‑related documents.
• Support the build, integration, and testing of rapid prototypes to validate new design concepts and technology upgrades.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or related field)
• 3 - 8 years of demonstrated experience in test planning, test execution, and data analysis
• Experience operating in a fast‑paced environment with a focus on testing and integrating Commercial Off‑The‑Shelf (COTS) technologies and rapid technology upgrades
• Demonstrated experience in the identification of technical/test risks and leading a team to develop a solution
• Strong experience preparing written test reports and briefings and formally presenting to senior management
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively in a dynamic environment
• Active Secret security clearance required and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with UAS, aviation, or missile systems developmental and/or operational testing
• Experience with payload integration testing (e.g., sensors, communication packages, kinetic effects)
• Familiarity with Guidance, Navigation, and Command and Control (C2) systems
• Experience with military datalinks and communication protocols
• Engineering/Test experience with RADAR, Electronic Warfare, or Kinetic systems