Sr. Test Engineer (TS/SCI clearance required- flight testing)
7 days ago
Bedford
Position: Senior Test Engineer – Phalanx Griffon (PG) Airborne Data Node Join the cutting edge of digital warfare innovation as the Senior Test Engineer for Phalanx Griffon (PG)—the Air Force’s next-generation airborne connectivity platform delivering real-time, mission-critical data across the Department of the Air Force's BATTLE NETWORK. In this pivotal role, you will lead the testing strategy and execution for Major Release 2 (FY25–27), overseeing the entire lifecycle from lab integration to in-flight validation across multiple aircraft. Key Responsibilities Test Strategy & Planning • Develop and manage the Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), aligning PG’s hardware (Nomad), software (Smith), and support operations (Watch) with CJADC2 mission goals and MR2 success criteria., • Establish test entry/exit criteria, traceability matrices, and performance milestones within the broader Integrated Master Schedule. Lab Operations & Integration Leadership • Architect and manage the System Integration Lab (SIL) to emulate aircraft environments, including power, data interfaces, and thermal conditions., • Oversee daily operations, maintain configuration integrity, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity and accreditation standards., • Deploy and maintain automated testing suites using tools such as Python, Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, and IXIA/Spirent. Ground & Flight Testing • Lead both developmental and operational test campaigns, including drafting of test plans, risk assessments, and safety certification packages (IATT, SOF)., • Serve as the lead engineer during test flights and ground events, collecting telemetry, spectrum data, and real-time diagnostics to identify and resolve system issues. Performance Analysis & Reporting • Analyze system-level metrics including data throughput, latency, cryptographic handshake durations, and SWaP-C effects on mission capability., • Deliver actionable insights through detailed after-action reviews, deficiency reports, and technical briefs for program teams and Air Force leadership. DevSecOps & Continuous Testing • Embed automated testing into the PG continuous integration pipeline, ensuring all Smith builds pass functional gates before release., • Promote early-stage verification by integrating test planning into digital engineering workflows and design reviews ("shift-left" approach). Team Leadership & Cross-Agency Coordination • Mentor junior engineers, liaise with platform SPO representatives, and collaborate with DoD civilian testers to propagate agile T&E best practices., • Work closely with NSA, DISA, and flight safety offices to ensure alignment with certification pathways (e.g., ATOs, crypto approvals, airworthiness). Qualifications • U.S. Citizenship and active TS/SCI security clearance., • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred)., • 15+ years of hands-on experience in DoD systems testing, from lab setup through airborne validation., • Demonstrated leadership in developmental/operational test programs for avionics, comms, or command & control systems., • Proficiency with automated test platforms, instrumentation, and analytical tools (e.g., MATLAB, Pandas, JMP)., • Working knowledge of standards such as MIL-STD-810/461 or RCC 324/125‑15. Preferred • Background in ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, or tactical data links., • Familiarity with secure communications systems, cross-domain technologies, and RMF/eMASS compliance., • Credentials in flight testing (e.g., USAF TPS graduate, FAA DER)., • Agile certification (Scrum/SAFe) and experience with Model-Based Testing and MBSE principles.