Flight Test Mission Engineer

Mid-Senior Level | Full-time

Engineering | Livermore, CA | 06/09/2026

Reference #: REF
8466U

Job Code
: TSS.
3 Technical Services & Ops MTS 3 / TSS.
4 Technical Services & Ops MTS 4

Organization
:
Engineering

Position Type
:
Career Indefinite

Security Clearance
:
Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)

Drug Test
:
Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)

Medical Exam
: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required

We have an opening for a Mission Execution Engineer to support the Flight Test Group. The Flight Test Group is a fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary team that specializes in rapid development of reliable in‑field deployable assets including autonomous rafts, UAS, and camera systems. You will be well‑rounded with a broad range of knowledge and engineering experience but also have specific experience with mechanical‑electrical system design, fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting.

You will have a focus on process improvement and design upgrades to support the deployment and recovery of assets used for mission support. This position is in the Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED)/Weapon Technologies and Engineering (WTE) Program, supporting the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Principal Directorate.

This position requires full‑time on‑site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

• Support mission operations multiple times each year, with travel expectations of 25% to 45%, including occasional deployments of two to six weeks in remote locations.
• Support mission planning, coordination, execution tracking, and delivery of mission objectives.
• Coordinate and contribute across all LIDSS disciplines (Mission Execution, optics, analysis, development, etc.), ensuring alignment of people, equipment, schedules, and deliverables.
• Serve as the decision support and escalation point during missions, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and mission objectives remain on track.
• Support sponsor communications by providing mission readiness assessments, including clear communication of readiness status (Green/Yellow/Red) and associated risks.
• Partner closely with the Field Lead to ensure all required equipment is properly planned, shipped, and available in the field, acting as a cross‑check for completeness and readiness.
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of data review packages and all other relevant reports and analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work directly with sponsors to help them better understand Flight Test capabilities and determine mission deliverables, when necessary.
• Work with sponsors to identify key players, define roles and responsibilities, and coordinate with appropriate personnel to resolve open or lingering issues.
• Develop an in‑depth understanding of all technical facets of mission support, ranging from communications systems to ship selection requirements for chartering.
• Understand analytical reports and ensure they meet final deliverable requirements.
• Maintain a complete understanding of the various mission types, identify process improvements, and advocate for funding to develop technical solutions that reduce mission risk.
• Maintain sponsor relationships during off‑mission periods to provide support as needed and instill confidence in the team’s ability to support new mission requirements at any time.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience developing program plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ability to coordinate roles, responsibilities, resources, and priorities across multiple organizations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, funding processes, and resource allocation.
• Abi…