Test Engineer III

Test Engineer III

Location: Hagerstown, MD
Duration: Contract
Pay Rate: $54.18 HR
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week
Benefits: Health Benefits, 401k matching, 10 days accrued PTO

We are partnering with a leading aerospace and defense organization to hire a skilled Test Engineer III to support the development, integration, and validation of advanced aircraft mission systems and avionics platforms. This role is ideal for an experienced test engineering professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment and enjoys working hands‑on with aircraft systems, flight testing, and cross‑functional engineering teams.

• Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements.
• Support program‑level test planning activities, including test strategies, schedules, risk identification, and resource coordination.
• Ensure accurate technical documentation and traceability throughout the test lifecycle.
• Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems and avionics.
• Operate RF and electronic test equipment including:
  • Spectrum analyzers
  • Network analyzers
  • Multi‑meters
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Transducers and accelerometers
• Collect, analyze, and document test data to support system verification and validation efforts.
• Support aircraft integration activities, subsystem checkout, and system‑level troubleshooting.
• Investigate and resolve test anomalies and integration issues.
• Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Safety Review Boards, and post‑test analysis activities.
• Interpret schematics, service manuals, and technical documentation to diagnose system issues effectively.
• Work closely with systems engineering, avionics, software, manufacturing, and program management teams to ensure alignment with technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior test engineers and team members.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to testing processes, quality, and product reliability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering.
• Active TS Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• FAA Class III Medical Certificate with the ability to complete Altitude Chamber training.
• Hands‑on experience with RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum/network analyzers, multi‑meters, data acquisition units, transducers, and accelerometers.
• Familiarity with aircraft avionics systems, architectures, and integration processes.
• Experience developing and executing ground and flight test plans and procedures.
• Strong background in requirements management, including derivation, traceability, verification, and selloff.
• Ability to read schematics, interpret service manuals, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques.
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills.

• Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and/or miss ionized aircraft.
• Familiarity with aerospace and military standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and MIL-STD-461.
• Experience supporting FAA and/or military certification efforts.
• Previous experience in a lead test or integration IPT role.
• Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles, including generation and disposition of product non‑conformances.
• Experience with manual and automated testing methodologies and equipment.