Flight Test Engineer III

Worker Type

Job Description

 

Summary

The Flight Test Engineer III designs, develops, and implements cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting systems for small, unmanned air vehicles.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results
• Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests
• Determine and communicate flight test objectives. Develop test cards that meet flight test objectives
• Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
• Participate in flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
• Process and analyze test data to determine test results
• Capture test activities, fill in test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network
• Details test activities in reports and enters test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Demonstrates good judgment in selectin methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, receiving little instruction on day-to-day work
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in related industry, including conducting system or flight tests
• Demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools
• Understanding of the functionality of major aircraft sub-systems and avionics
• Strong communication skills, including: documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures; and reporting test results
• Determine regression test requirements based on specific sub-system modifications
• Ability to analyze large test data sets using software tools, like MATLAB or Excel
• Can effectively develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures
• Position requires travel within and outside the Continental U.S. (About 10% - 30%)
• Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advance degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is preferred
• Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial

• Preferred candidate will have the ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
• Has effective problem-solving and analytical skills as well as sound judgment
• Has strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Physical Demands

• Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
• Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
• Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs of cases of varying size (Frequent)
• Lift and/or move up to 50lb cases of varying sizes & shapes (Occasional)
• Talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

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