Principal Hypersonic Flight Test Engineer

Principal Hypersonic Flight Test Engineer

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution. Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education.
• 10+ years of experience as program lead or test director for rocket-launched systems or developmental weapon systems, including requirements development, initial prototype builds, test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Extensive experience in SRM flight testing, guided SRM missile development, stage separation systems design and testing, and MRTFB operations and procedures.
• Expertise in developing Flight Safety Systems (FSS) compliant with MRTFB, RCC, and FAA standards.
• Experience as an MRTFB Range User, including adherence to local range safety requirements, analysis, simulation studies, and documentation submission.
• Knowledge of Flight Termination System (FTS) integration with range support and monitoring equipment.
• Experience with surrogate booster motor integration, preferably in hypersonic programs.
• Strong understanding of vehicle, payload, and ground safety equipment requirements.
• Familiarity with adjacent missile technology programs and funding opportunities.
• Experience with system engineering or DoD program processes (EVM, MIL-STD-881, etc.).
• Working knowledge of military standards (MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, AS5653, etc.).
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with ground or ship-based launch systems, and with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Familiarity with military missile system airworthiness certification standards and processes (ADS-45-HDBK, Seek Eagle, NNMSB, etc.).
• Ability to manage complex test schedules and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel for test planning and execution and work extended hours as needed.
• Proactive problem-solving attitude.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program management on rocket-launched (subsonic and supersonic) systems proposals, strategies, and test and evaluation solutions to meet program objectives.
• Work with program management, test leads, and engineering department leads to develop requirements, communicate test schedules and progress, establish test gates and milestones, and discuss test results.
• Lead a team to plan and execute full system-level T&E of hardware and software, focusing on resource planning, ground and flight testing, issue investigation, and process improvement.
• Serve as the lead test engineer for R&D rocket-launched systems, including development, certification, and integration testing of subsystems.
• Engage with civil and government certifying agencies to obtain necessary operational authorizations.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Support start up of new test facilities for super sonic testing.
• Support initial design, build, and integration phases hands-on.
• Plan, execute, and report on lab, ground, and flight tests.
• Oversee test data collection and perform initial data analysis.
• Ensure safe operations in accordance with established procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Knowledge of High-Power Rocketry standards (14 CFR part 101, NFPA 1127).
• High power rocketry certifications 1, 2 or 3
• Prior experience in Supersonic / Hypersonic Vehicle design and flight testing
• Prior experience in solid or liquid rocket propellent engine/booster testing
• Prior experience with software code/script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
• Prior experience using a flight simulation to support flight safety analysis including debris pattern propagation, instantaneous impact point (IIP)
• Familiarization with Flight simulation and live telemetry visualization tools such as SIMDIS
• Prior experience with Linux based systems and command line.
• Working Knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software.
• Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple different propulsion systems to include air and non-air breathing.