Test Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corporation; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 98,633 - 135,621; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sierra Nevada Corporation is seeking a Test Engineer III in Hagerstown, Maryland. This role involves leading the development of test plans for advanced aerospace systems and executing various tests while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering, possess a strong understanding of test methodologies, and have hands-on expertise with RF and electronic equipment. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering.
• Proven knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• FAA Class III Medical Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain flight test plans and procedures.
• Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities.
• Support aircraft integration and anomaly investigation.

Skills

Hands-on experience with RF and electronic test equipment

Excellent technical documentation

Ability to read schematics

Experience with planning and conducting Verification and Validation activities

Strong background in requirements management

Experience in aerospace or defense test engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Multimeters

Data acquisition units

Job description

Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Test Engineer III, you will lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for advanced aerospace and defense systems.

Responsibilities

• Planning & Documentation – Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements. Support program‑level test planning, including strategies, schedules, risk identification, and resource coordination.
• Hands‑On Testing – Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems and avionics. Operate RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition units, and various transducers and accelerometers.
• Integration & Troubleshooting – Support aircraft integration, subsystem checkout, and test anomaly investigation and resolution. Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Safety Review Boards, and post‑test data analysis.
• Collaboration & Leadership – Interface with systems engineering, avionics, software, and program management to ensure test activities align with technical, cost, and schedule objectives. Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers.

Qualifications – Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering; higher‑level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
• Proven knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary design and development teams.
• Experience with planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
• Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical troubleshooting techniques.
• FAA Class III Medical Certification required; non‑certified candidates must obtain it prior to hire.
• Ability to complete Altitude Chamber training and qualification.
• Hands‑on experience with RF and electronic test equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, multimeters, data acquisition units, transducers, accelerometers).
• Experience developing and executing ground and flight test plans and procedures.
• Strong background in requirements management (derivation, traceability, verification, and sell‑off).
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with aircraft avionics systems, architectures, and integration.
• Active United States Top Secret Security Clearance; ability to obtain SCI eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and/or missionized aircraft.
• Familiarity with MIL‑STD and aerospace standards (e.g., DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑810, MIL‑STD‑461).
• Experience supporting FAA and/or military (DoD) certification efforts.
• Knowledge of requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama).
• Prior experience in a lead test or integration IPT role.
• Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experience in generation and disposition of product non‑conformances.
• Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies, including manual and automated testing.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated starting salary range: $98,633.53 - $135,621.11. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates’ key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

EEO & Equal Opportunity Statement

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.