Operational Test Engineer

Operational Test Engineer

We’re seeking an experienced Operational Test Engineer to lead and execute operational test planning, conduct ground and flight test activities, and deliver timely, data‑driven reporting for the Navy’s Advanced Sensor Technologies Program Office (AST PO) in either Pax River, MD, or Dallas, TX. In this role, you will support Working Integrated Product Teams (WIPTs), readiness reviews, and assessments by OPTEVFOR and DOT&E under the direction of the Operational Test Director (OTD).

You’ll ensure testing is performed in accordance with the Integrated Evaluation Framework (IEF) to meet or exceed acceptability standards and the Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).

• Program & Governance Participation:
  Participate in and provide subject‑matter expertise to WIPT meetings, Operational Test Readiness Reviews (OTRR), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and assessments by OPTEVFOR and DOT&E as directed by the OTD. Ensure operational testing aligns with the IEF and meets acceptability criteria and TEMP objectives for cost, schedule, and performance.
• Test Planning & Documentation:
  Develop accurate, detailed, and timely artifacts: test plans, data collection plans, flight test descriptions, vignettes, test procedures, briefings, run sheets, test cards, data analysis summaries, interim/final test reports, and system deficiency reports in support of AST and OPTEVFOR requirements. Coordinate with program staff, military, and contractor personnel to ensure test objectives and schedules are achieved within budget and performance thresholds identified in the TEMP.
• Ground & Flight Test Execution:
  Lead ground and flight planning, test execution, asset coordination, range services, and airspace/water space coordination. Plan and execute exercises/scenarios; manage personnel coordination; conduct flight briefs/debriefs, mission replays, and analyses. Collect and analyze system data using test instrumentation, operator/test conductor logs, environmental predictions, and target/range truth data. Coordinate field work and ground test support with test ranges and remote sites; execute ground support;
  
  collect truth data; document test events. Ensure ground tests meet specific test requirements and data needs.
• Data Collection & Analysis:
  Provide analytical support and recommendations for data collection plans; coordinate with Flight Test Engineers (FTEs) and aircrew to ensure specific data requirements are met. Perform data reduction and preliminary statistical analysis to validate data and assess compliance against system specifications; support Critical Operational Issue (COI) resolution.

• Education & Experience:
  
  Must have a BS Degree in Engineering/Technical field + 7 years of experience.
• Clearance & Citizenship: TS/SSBI CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED. Must be a US Citizen.
• Experience working in a classified security environment
• Experience working with engineering teams to evaluate, integrate, and deliver radar and sensor technologies

• Prior role as Ground Test Conductor and/or Flight Test Engineer on Navy or other airborne systems
• Experience with test range operations, airspace/water space coordination, and asset scheduling.
• Familiarity with AST requirements and mission vignettes development.
• Familiarity with telemetry/data acquisition systems, mission replay tools, and configuration/data management systems.
• Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or R languages for data reduction and analysis
• Knowledge of DoD 5000‑series T&E processes, CJCSI, and NAVAIR/OPTEVFOR test practices.
• Certifications:
  
  CTEP, INCOSE, ASEP/CSEP, PMP, Six Sigma/Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Effective oral and written communication skills. Effective organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated ability to work with integrated teams comprised of military, civilian, and contractor personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Experience developing and using tools and statistical methodologies to analyze data

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40 hours/week

Travel: 15%

Compensation: $117,000–$147,000. The salary range posted is based on the national…