Flight Test Engineer

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position with required domestic travel (approximately 25%)

Job Overview

This is a Flight Test Engineer support position for the MQ-9 and Predator B variants development test, designing top-level development test programs at the Medium Altitude UAS division for AFLCMC/Det 3 MQ-9 sustainment efforts in California. The ideal candidate has experience with UAS flight test and project execution and implementing management procedures and controls. This person will provide advisory support and recommend project execution focus areas. This position requires teamwork, patience, a firm understanding of test and evaluation, and the ability to travel.

Essential Functions

Provide advisory, review, or draft documentation for development of test plans and safety packages generated by the USAF, prime weapon system Contractor, and associated Contractors by attending test planning working groups and test interface meetings

Provide advisory assistance to the Government in support of any UAS incidents that require Safety and Accident Investigations

Perform all facets of flight testing, from initial planning and operations through execution, data collection, reduction and analysis, report writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion

Provide project officer leadership required to plan and execute developed test or operate as project engineer or flight test engineer as required

Provide advisory assistance to facilitate problem-solving and provide recommendations for Government consideration geared to optimize any "Course of Action" managing personnel and equipment to ensure all flight tests are accomplished and are on time

Interface with the various test organizations to support test and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities and work daily scheduling issues

Interface with the prime contractor and subcontractors to support the prioritization and scheduling of test item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements

Review and identify potential issues relating to modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations, and other support equipment

Develop briefings and reports as required to update program leadership on progress

Work with the System Program Office to obtain required air worthiness assessment, risk analysis, and military flight release

Assess and/or evaluate both subjective and objective data acquired through test execution

Assist the Government in planning/executing system configurations and troubleshoot those configurations to support required sorties

Facilitate the scheduling of unique test resources (e.g., range, weapons, etc.) and flight test activities

Review proposals for validity and identify potential discrepancies relating to flight test requirements

Support the program and the other PMs by providing test advice, recommending priorities, performing resource planning, and identifying constraints, and recommending inputs into deficiency identification and correction actions

Perform other related duties as assigned

Standard Essential Functions

Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].

Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.

Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

Must possess test and evaluation experience in an aerospace program with knowledge, experience, and recognized ability to be considered an aviation test engineering expert

Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment

Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals

The capability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact

The ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals

Must be able to maintain a security clearance

Must be proficient in the MS Office productivity suite

Education / Certifications

Bachelors or Masters Engineering degree required (see years of related experience below)

ABET-accredited engineering program preferred

Experience

Twelve (12) years of experience in aeronautical engineering with a bachelor's Degree, ten (10) years of related experience with a Masters Degree

At least five (5) of which in the DoD

Experience with UAS flight test preferred

Physical Requirements

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipmentConstantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingersFrequently required to stand for extended periods of timeFrequently required to lift up to 10 poundsOccasionally required to lift up to 15 poundsOccasionally required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordinationFrequently required to reach overhead and frequently reach at/below shoulder levelOccasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditionsOccasionally required to operate hand tools, equipment, heavy machineryOccasionally required to operate motor vehicle

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

The Company provides a reasonable range of compensation. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this position is for the listed location only.

Salary Range$125,000—$150,000 USD

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Recruitment Communication Notice: All official correspondence regarding your application, application status, interviews, or the AEVEX hiring process will come directly from an AEVEX representative using an @aevex.com email address or through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system. Please use caution with communications claiming to represent AEVEX from other email domains, and always verify the sender before responding or providing personal information.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.