Flight Test Engineer

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during experimental flight test of the Roc carrier aircraft and/or the Talon hypersonic vehicle testbeds.
• Lead the Mission Operations team assigned to a flight or series of flight as the main liaison to program management personnel.
• Responsible for safe and effective conduct of ground and flight test missions, and engineering support from the mission control room.
• Develop depth of engineering and system knowledge to enable rapid decision-making and task prioritization.
• Lead test or flight readiness reviews prior to test plan execution.
• Coordinate range, airspace, and support resources in support of flight test missions.
• Develop and document procedures for expanded mission control room operations, to support air-launch test missions with multiple aircraft and separate control elements. Develop and document procedures covering all aspects of test mission execution for the integrated launch system.
• Support development of test strategy and objectives, test plans and mission cards for ground and inflight testing and identify test hazards and develop mitigation actions.
• Coordinate closely with vehicle engineering teams to define test and data requirements and help identify system safety or operational concerns.
• Manage and communicate test-specific vehicle limitations and flight readiness review actions.
• Coordinate on-vehicle test requirements with overall manufacturing and program schedules.
• Mentor less experienced personnel in proper flight test planning and execution.
• Assess readiness of mission control room discipline engineers and support functions.
• Travel, as needed, to support mission planning, launch approval meetings, and other tasks.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and initiative to fulfill commitments.

Qualifications

Required

• Technical aerospace experience, including training in a technical discipline.
• Ability to analyze and prioritize tasks on their own initiative, and drive projects to completion, to fit within overall business goals.
• Ability to lead a small team, make decisions, communicate requirements, and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Previous experience with new, experimental, or modified aircraft, launch vehicles or spacecraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control methods.
• Experience with engineering and test data analysis tools such as IADS and MATLAB.
• Knowledge of risk management or safety management systems.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading flight test programs.
• Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Highly Desired

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation
• Flight Test Engineer graduate of a recognized test pilot school long course
• Experience as a Test Conductor for a developmental test program
• Experience as a Flight Test Engineer or control room engineer on an active test program
• Experience with launch vehicle or aircraft requirements verification
• Experience with launch vehicle, air-launch, or high-speed flight programs
• Experience with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures
• Experience operating in a classified work environment or with classified hardware

Education & Experience

• Level II ($101-000-$146,500): Bachelor's degree or higher from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Sr. Level ($120,000-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($157,000-$206,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• This position is located in Mojave, CA.
• Travel estimated to be approximately 5%
• #LI-Onsite

Pay and benefits

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s)

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.:

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You're within a half day's drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

• Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices.
• Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state's best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce.
• Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke's in Lancaster.
• Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won't find anywhere else in the United States.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law: