Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Flight Test Engineer to join our team in Tucson, Arizona, to drive the verification, validation, and safety of advanced military aviation platforms. In this role, you won't just follow a checklist-you will design the testing strategies that ensure critical avionics modernizations and weapons systems operate flawlessly in the field. From high-level master planning to active range coordination and data analysis, your work will directly impact mission success and pilot safety.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Test Strategy & Planning: Evaluate technical requirements for avionics modernization programs to architect comprehensive verification and validation strategies. Create and own master documentation, including Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), Developmental/Operational Test Plans, exact flight test procedures, and detailed run cards.
• Range Coordination & Execution: Partner with CONUS test ranges to schedule, configure, and execute test activities. Support telemetry setup and active operations, ensuring all safety protocols and Test Readiness Reviews are seamlessly executed.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze post-flight data to generate formal validation and verification reports. Track system anomalies using Watch Items (WITs) and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Risk & Resource Management: Identify Test & Evaluation (T&E) risk factors early, developing proactive mitigation and management plans. Prepare accurate T&E cost estimates and ensure all necessary assets and resources are ready for test execution.
• Technical Focus Areas: Act as the subject matter expert across key systems, including air-to-air/air-to-ground weapons, tactical data links (LINK-16, SADL), navigation systems, F-16 Core OFP, system security, and captive/inert/live bomb drops.
• Collaborative Governance: Represent the organization and provide technical input during Integrated Test Team (ITT) and Test Integrated Product Team (T-IPT) forums.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of recent, hands-on experience working directly with Air Force weapons systems or military aircraft.
• T&E Expertise: Proven track record in the Test and Evaluation (T&E) lifecycle, from initial planning through flight execution and final reporting.
• Security Clearance: Must possess an active Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a program-specific Top Secret clearance.