Sr. Test Engineer (TS/SCI clearance required/aviation/aircraft experience

Join the Vanguard of Air Force Innovation with Phalanx Griffon (PG) Phalanx Griffon represents the U.S. Air Force’s cutting-edge airborne communications hub, enabling warfighters to access high-quality, mission-critical data across the Department of the Air Force (DAF) BATTLE NETWORK. As a Senior Test Engineer, you will design and lead comprehensive test strategies for Major Release 2 (FY25–27), ensuring seamless progression from lab integration to full operational deployment across multiple aircraft platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Test Architecture

• Develop the program-wide Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), linking Nomad hardware, Smith software, and Watch operational support to CJADC2 mission requirements and MR2 exit standards.
  




• Establish Developmental and Operational Test (DT/OT) entry and exit criteria, traceability matrices, and define schedule-driven milestone metrics aligned with the Integrated Master Schedule.
  

System Integration Lab (SIL) Oversight

• Architect SIL environments that replicate platform-level power, environmental, and data interfaces.
  




• Manage daily operations including configuration control, cybersecurity compliance, and lab accreditation.
  




• Deploy automated regression testing pipelines using tools like Python, Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, and IXIA/Spirent, covering functionality, performance, and cyber hardening.
  

Flight and Ground Test Execution

• Lead both ground-based and airborne testing efforts by creating test cards, conducting hazard assessments, and developing IATTs and Safety of Flight documentation.
  




• Serve as lead test engineer during flight or as ground test conductor—monitoring telemetry, collecting logs and spectrum data, and resolving issues in real time.
  

Data Analysis & Mission Reporting

• Conduct analytical evaluations on throughput, latency, cryptographic handshake performance, Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling (SWaP-C) impacts, and mission effectiveness.
  




• Deliver detailed post-test documentation including After Action Reports, Deficiency Reports (DRs), and corrective action plans for Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and USAF leadership.
  

DevSecOps & Continuous Integration

• Embed test automation into the DevSecOps lifecycle; verify each Smith software build meets gated SIL criteria on a 90-day cycle.
  




• Promote a “shift-left” testing paradigm by integrating early verification steps into design reviews and model-based engineering workflows.
  

Team Development & Cross-Agency Collaboration

• Mentor junior engineers, support test reps across platform System Program Offices (SPOs), and provide guidance to government civilian personnel in test and evaluation best practices.
  




• Partner with NSA, DISA, and flight safety authorities to ensure testing complies with certification standards such as ATOs, cryptographic validation, and airworthiness requirements.
  

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required due to sensitive government engagements.
  




• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
  




• Minimum 15 years of experience in defense systems test engineering, spanning lab verification through to flight test.
  




• Active TS/SCI clearance.
  




• Demonstrated leadership in complex DT/OT campaigns for avionics, communications, or command and control systems.
  




• Expertise with automated test tools, data visualization platforms (MATLAB, Pandas, JMP), and instrumentation.
  

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with programs such as ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, and tactical data links.
  




• Knowledge of Type 1 encryption, cross-domain systems, and RMF/eMASS compliance.
  




• Recognized flight test credentials (e.g., USAF TPS graduate, FAA DER).
  




• Agile, Scrum, or SAFe certification; experience in model-based testing (MBSE).