Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with K !

K 's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role – protecting our national security.

• Innovative Projects: K 's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment:
  Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work:
  Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

K  is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Flight Test Engineer to support work with the Air Force Research Lab's autonomous air refueling effort.

We are seeking a seasoned professional to take a senior role in our flight test operations. The right candidate will be responsible for defining test requirements, developing comprehensive test plans and procedures, and managing ground and flight test events and serve as the expert in the collection, analysis, and reporting of complex flight test data to ensure the safety, performance, and mission readiness of advanced aerospace systems.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test programs for various aircraft platforms and systems.
• Develop detailed flight test plans, procedures, and test cards, ensuring clear objectives, performance criteria, and safety standards.
• Manage and oversee ground and flight test events, including range and airspace coordination.
• Instrument test assets and manage data acquisition systems to ensure comprehensive data collection.
• Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data to evaluate aircraft performance, handling qualities, and system functionality.
• Prepare detailed flight test reports, documenting results, highlighting key findings, and providing actionable recommendations.
• Evaluate vendor deliverables to ensure contract performance and compliance.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, flight operations, and program management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, regulatory requirements, and program guidelines.
• Identify potential safety risks and technical challenges, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Participate in pre-flight briefings and post-flight debriefings.
• Potentially serve as a Test Director, responsible for the overall execution of flight and ground tests.

• Location:
  
  Onsite
• Travel Requirements: minimal
• Working Hours:
  
  Standard

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in flight test engineering, encompassing all phases of the test lifecycle.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated expertise in defining test requirements, developing test plans and procedures, and executing flight tests.
• Proven ability in flight data analysis and the generation of comprehensive test reports.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, avionics, flight controls, and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of FAA and/or military specifications and certification requirements.

Desired:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or a closely related STEM field.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• 15+ years of hands-on test experience
• Experience with aerial refueling test and evaluation.
• Graduate of a military Experimental Test Pilot School or FAA Flight Analyst DER.
• Experience with unmanned aircraft platforms and mission systems.
• Familiarity with relevant military standards (e.g., MIL-HDBK-516, JSSG series).
• Experience with temporary modification of test aircraft.
• Experience with collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) platforms and supporting software architecture.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and software (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• DAWIA Test and Evaluation certification.
• Experience with mission planning and execution

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of national defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at K . Let's shape the future together.

K  Benefits

K  offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time…