Test Engineer - Flight Testing

JRC Integrated Systems; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

JRC Integrated Systems in the Washington, DC area seeks a Test Engineer, Flight Testing to lead instrumentation and test activities for SLBM programs, collaborating with Navy stakeholders, industry partners, and national test ranges.

You will plan, coordinate, and execute flight-test instrumentation, spectrum management, and system readiness tests while developing leadership briefings for senior leaders. A Top Secret clearance and a 7+ year defense engineering background are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
• 7+ years of defense system engineering experience.
• Demonstrated missile systems design, integration, and verification experience.
• Knowledge of DoD 5000-series policies (DoDI 5000.88/5000.02).
• Strong communication with DoD, Service PAEs, and industry partners.
• Active or recently adjudicated Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the Flight Test Instrumentation Unit lead to meet SLBM tests.
• Coordinate PAESSP Frequency Management and Spectrum Allocation for Trident and other priorities.
• Manage Special Engineering Test processes and configuration control changes.
• Represent PAESSP with National Test Range stakeholders to secure resources.
• Collaborate with PAESSP branches, Field Activities, and Industry Partners on test readiness and planning.
• Develop leadership-level briefings and present to senior leaders.

Skills

Missile systems design

Systems integration

Flight test instrumentation

DoD policy knowledge

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Spectrum XXI

Job description

Who We Are

At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission-critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting-edge research and development. By joining JRC, you’ll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.

Join JRC's Missiles & Space Team!

Join a team at the forefront of national security, supporting the flight testing and advancement of some of the Navy’s most critical strategic weapons systems. As the Test Engineer, Flight Testing, you will serve as a trusted technical leader and advisor to our Navy customer, helping plan, coordinate, and execute Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) test activities. Working alongside government stakeholders, industry partners, and national test range organizations, you will play a key role in flight test instrumentation, spectrum management, systems integration, and acquisition support, ensuring mission success while advancing capabilities that directly support the Nation’s strategic deterrence objectives.

What You'll Do

• Serve as JRC’s Lead Engineer to provide management and technical services to the Flight Test Instrumentation Unit of PAESSP to meet SLBM tests.
• Work with JRC’s Spectrum Manager to coordinate PAESSP Frequency Management and Spectrum Allocation for the Trident Missile and other key acquisition priorities.
• Manage PAESSP’s Special Engineering Test process including policy, control, and procedures for configuration control and accounting of changes from the baseline due to flight test instrumentation experiments and / or necessary test instrumentation not complete with its planned incorporation into the baseline configuration.
• Represent PAESSP with National Test Range stakeholders to advocate for resourcing to meet requirements to support SLBM testing.
• Work with other PAESSP Branches, PAESSP Field Activities, and Industry Partners to meet Flight Test Instrumentation Unit objectives, including inter-branch coordination, flight test working groups, systems readiness tests, risk review, equipment refresh integrated product teams, and flight test planning and preparations.
• Develop Leadership-level briefings, papers, and other products. Develop and present briefings and other products to senior leaders.

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
• 7+ years of experience in defense system engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification. Knowledge of missile or weapon system testing.
• Knowledge of the DoD 5000-series acquisition policies, including DoDI 5000.88 and 5000.02.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interface with DoW / DoD, Service PAEs, and industry partners.
• Active or recently adjudicated Top Secret clearance.

Bonus Points

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• DAWIA Advanced Certification in Engineering or Program Management.
• Two years in technical leadership role on a major defense acquisition program.
• Prior service aboard submarines and experience with flight testing.
• Management experience.
• High-quality communication and presentation dexterity.
• Process improvement certification (Black Belt)
• Experience supporting nuclear-capable or strategic missile programs.
• Experience with Spectrum XXI.

At JRC we offer

• A competitive compensation package
• An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success
• The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
• A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career