How you will contribute to our National Security and Defense Mission:
As a Senior Flight Test Engineer for MTSI, you will be at the center of cutting-edge development for USSOCOM’s fixed wing capabilities. You will directly support the USSOCOM Det 1 commander and the USSOCOM PEO-FW Materiel Leaders, leading high-visibility test missions that accelerate advanced technologies into the hands of the operational warfighters. From planning complex flight test events to executing missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, you will shape the systems that define the future of special operations. These duties will require you to acquire technical knowledge of all key AFSOC Group 1-5 UAS systems and software. This position will be in the Eglin AFB, FL area.
You will be a great fit for this role if:
- You have a passion for aerospace, defense, special operations, and advanced technologies
- You understand the urgent need to modernize our defense systems and give our warfighters the best possible tools
- Paying attention to detail and providing excellent customer service in a professional environment is a skill you excel at
- You are passionate about continuous learning and growth, and you seek opportunities to challenge yourself
- You are driven to make a meaningful impact through your work
Responsibilities:
Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to:
Core Technical Leadership:
- Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS system development
- Use experience operating Group 3 to Group 5 UAS to influence Command and Control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architectures
- Develop mission‑driven test objectives, plans, and documentation that guide successful execution
- Apply deep technical knowledge to evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leaders
- Evaluate and validate AI system performance, robustness, safety, and reliability using defined metrics and test frameworks
Mission Planning & Execution:
- Lead and participate in detailed flight test event planning
- Prepare mission execution schedules aligned with program timelines
- Serve as test conductor for programs involving Group 1-5 UAS and their associated networks, executing live missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, in DoD control rooms, and Ground Control Stations across the country
Integration & Coordination:
- Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterprise
- Manage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teams
- Facilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirements
Data, Analysis & Instrumentation:
- Work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and vendors to define data needs
- Oversee data management plans, ensuring robust collection, analysis, and distribution methods
- Identify technical risks related to data quality, model performance, AI behavior, security, and integration, and develop mitigation strategies
Reporting & Communication:
- Deliver clear, concise, and timely reports that capture results and recommended follow‑on actions
- Communicate test status, risks, and readiness assessments to senior government leaders and program stakeholders to support informed decision‑making
- Ability to communicate and collaborate across multiple disciplines; engineering, program management, and aircrew
- Maintain accurate documentation that enables effective cross‑team collaboration
Qualifications:
- 8+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testing
- Understanding and significant experience with Group 5 UAS (such as MQ-9) command and control, airborne networks, and/or associated data links
- Experience/knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and comm/radar systems
- Working knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policies
- Experience preparing flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews, and test cards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to travel to test events and program meetings
- Ability to obtain FAA Class 3 flight physical
- Ability to fly on military aircraft and operate in Ground Control Stations (GCS) or Control Rooms
Education:
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science
Even Better if you have these desired skills:
- Master of Science degree in engineering or science
- Experience with Group 1-4 sUAS operations and/or testing on DoD ranges
- Autonomous system test experience
- Experience using Artificial Intelligence as a tool or in testing
- Test Pilot School graduate (USAF/USN/NTPS)
- Experience testing at various DoD test ranges
- Demonstrated planning, coordination and execution skills on AFSOC or similar aircraft platforms
- Knowledge of installed systems/subsystems and support equipment of AFSOC aircraft
- Knowledge of AFSOC avionics/mission systems, munitions systems and comm/radar systems
- DoD acquisition experience
Clearance Requirements:
- Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance. A Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP eligibility) is HIGHLY desired
#mtsi #mtsijobs
