Principal Flight Test Engineer

As a Principal Flight Test Engineer for MTSI, you will be at the center of cutting-edge development for USSOCOM's fixed wing capabilities. You will directly support the USSOCOM Det 1 commander and the USSOCOM PEO-FW Materiel Leaders, leading high-visibility test missions that accelerate advanced technologies into the hands of the operational warfighters. From planning complex flight test events to executing missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, you will shape the systems that define the future of special operations. These duties will require you to acquire technical knowledge of all key AFSOC Group 1-5 UAS systems and software. This position will be in the Eglin AFB, FL area. You will be a great fit for this role if: 37You have a passion for aerospace, defense, special operations, and advanced technologies37You understand the urgent need to modernize our defense systems and give our warfighters the best possible tools37Paying attention to detail and providing excellent customer service in a professional environment is a skill you excel at37You are passionate about continuous learning and growth, and you seek opportunities to challenge yourself37You are driven to make a meaningful impact through your work Responsibilities: Your essential job functions will include but may not be limited to: Core Technical Leadership: 37Provide senior flight test engineering expertise for USSOCOM Group 1-5 UAS system development37Use experience operating Group 3 to Group 5 UAS to influence Command and Control, intra-swarm networks, data links, and data backhaul architectures37Develop mission-driven test objectives, plans, and documentation that guide successful execution37Apply deep technical knowledge to evaluate system readiness and advise senior government leaders37Evaluate and validate AI system performance, robustness, safety, and reliability using defined metrics and test frameworks Mission Planning & Execution: 37Lead and participate in detailed flight test event planning37Prepare mission execution schedules aligned with program timelines37Serve as test conductor for programs involving Group 1-5 UAS and their associated networks, executing live missions aboard AFSOC aircraft, in DoD control rooms, and Ground Control Stations across the country Integration & Coordination: 37Coordinate test venues, assets, and participants across the DoD enterprise37Manage logistics for complex test events and support operations with contract maintenance teams37Facilitate safety processes and aircraft modification requirements Data, Analysis & Instrumentation: 37Work with analysts, instrumentation engineers, and vendors to define data needs37Oversee data management plans, ensuring robust collection, analysis, and distribution methods37Identify technical risks related to data quality, model performance, AI behavior, security, and integration, and develop mitigation strategies Reporting & Communication: 37Deliver clear, concise, and timely reports that capture results and recommended follow-on actions37Communicate test status, risks, and readiness assessments to senior government leaders and program stakeholders to support informed decision-making37Ability to communicate and collaborate across multiple disciplines; engineering, program management, and aircrew37Maintain accurate documentation that enables effective cross-team collaboration Qualifications: 378+ years in test and evaluation with a focus on Aviation developmental testing37Understanding and significant experience with Group 5 UAS (such as MQ-9) command and control, airborne networks, and/or associated data links37Experience/knowledge of open mission architecture, avionics, mission systems, munitions systems, and comm/radar systems37Working knowledge of DoD and/or Air Force UAS test and evaluation policies37Experience preparing flight test documents including test plans, safety reviews, and test cards37Proficiency with Microsoft Office products 37Excellent written and oral communication skills37Ability to travel to test events and program meetings37Ability to obtain FAA Class 3 flight physical37Ability to fly on military aircraft and operate in Ground Control Stations (GCS) or Control Rooms Education: 37Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science Even Better if you have these desired skills: 37Master of Science degree in engineering or science37Experience with Group 1-4 sUAS operations and/or testing on DoD ranges37Autonomous system test experience37Experience using Artificial Intelligence as a tool or in testing37Test Pilot School graduate (USAF/USN/NTPS)37Experience testing at various DoD test ranges37Demonstrated planning, coordination and execution skills on AFSOC or similar aircraft platforms37Knowledge of installed systems/subsystems and support equipment of AFSOC aircraft37Knowledge of AFSOC avionics/mission systems, munitions systems and comm/radar systems37DoD acquisition experience Clearance Requirements: 37Must possess an active DoD Secret Clearance. A Top Secret (TS) security clearance (with SCI and SAP eligibility) is HIGHLY desired #LI-BH1 #mtsi #mtsijobs