Job Title
Operations Engineer
Location
EDWARDS, CA 93523 US (Primary)
Category
Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Compensation Minimum (USD)
$110,000
Compensation Maximum (USD)
$115,000
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Citizenship Status Required
U.S. Citizen
Security Clearance Required
Secret
Job Description
- Employment Category: Full-Time/Regular
- Location: NASA Armstrong Research Center - Edwards, CA
- Schedule: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule
- Security Clearance: Secret, Active
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship
- Salary: 85k-115k
Job SummaryThe Operations Engineer supports aircraft operations, mission execution, and systems integration for the Global Hawk SkyRange project at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC).
This role focuses on real-world flight operations where aircraft readiness, system performance, and mission execution directly impact safety and mission success. You will work hands-on with aircraft systems, mission control environments, and multidisciplinary teams to support flight test operations and ensure successful mission outcomes.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft missions where your work directly supports live flight operations.
Primary Responsibilities
Aircraft Operations Support- Support aircraft operations including pre-flight and post-flight readiness activities
- Monitor aircraft systems and support real-time mission execution
- Support mission control room and ground control station operations during flight
Mission Planning & Execution- Assist with mission and test planning, including coordination of airspace and logistics
- Support flight execution activities and operational decision-making
- Participate in mission debriefs and post-flight assessments
Systems Testing & Validation- Perform aircraft systems testing, verification, and validation (V&V)
- Troubleshoot system anomalies during ground and flight operations
- Support evaluation of system performance and operational readiness
Airworthiness & Safety- Support airworthiness assessments and configuration tracking of aircraft systems
- Participate in system safety processes to identify and mitigate risks to mission success
- Ensure all work is performed in accordance with safety and operational requirements
Engineering Development & Integration- Support aircraft modification, integration, and non-standard repair activities
- Provide mechanical and/or electrical design support and integration documentation
- Assist in development of procedures, checklists, and operational documentation
Engineering Coordination- Coordinate with engineers, technicians, pilots, and mission stakeholders
- Support design reviews, mission planning activities, and operational readiness efforts
- Communicate system status, risks, and recommendations clearly to the team
Technical Documentation- Document test results, lessons learned, and operational assessments
- Prepare technical reports, procedures, and engineering documentation
- Support internal reviews, briefings, and mission reporting
Key Benefits and Impact- Work directly on live flight operations and aircraft systems
- Support high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft missions
- Be part of a small, high-performing flight operations team
- See your work directly impact mission execution and flight success
Benefits:- Paid Time Off Starting at 80 hrs/yr, 11 Federal holidays, and 56 hrs/yr Sick Leave
- 401K with up to 4% employer matching contribution
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Short Term/Long Term Disability
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Tuition reimbursement
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline
- 2-3+ years of relevant engineering experience
- Experience with aircraft operations or flight test environments
- Experience supporting pre-flight and post-flight aircraft activities
- Experience with aircraft systems testing
- Experience operating in control room or mission operations environments
- Active DoD Secret Clearance (required)
- U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with the Global Hawk platform
- Experience supporting long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft operations
- Experience with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
- Familiarity with airworthiness processes and flight test operations
- Experience developing integration documentation and procedures
