Systems & Flight Test Engineer (E-3 AWACS)

LOCATION: Patrick SFB, FL

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Secret, Top Secret Eligible

TRAVEL: 20-35%

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for an SE-4 Systems & Flight Test Engineer (E-3 AWACS) located at Patrick SFB, FL. 

We are seeking an experienced, multidisciplinary Systems & Flight Test Engineer to support the E-3 AWACS platform through its entire lifecycle. In this high-impact position, you will employ a holistic engineering approach to design, develop, evaluate, and integrate complex end-to-end systems and mission-oriented products.

This role serves as a crucial technical bridge between operational requirements, hardware/software design, and airborne evaluation. The selected engineer will translate high-level product development strategies into verified system architectures and execute developmental and operational testing both in test integration laboratories and in-flight aboard Department of War (DoW) aircraft.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Master's Degree in a technical field with at least 10 years years of relevant experience.  
• Active Seecret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clerance.
•  U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Aircraft Platform Experience: Hands-on operational and/or maintenance experience with E-3 AWACS aircraft (mission systems, avionics, radar, or communications).
• Flight Physical Certification: Ability to obtain and maintain an active FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate (or military flight physical equivalent).
• In-Flight Duty: Willingness and physical qualification to perform operational and engineering duties in-flight aboard DoW aircraft.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel up to 20% per year (surge to 35%) to support test events, detachment sites, and operational exercises.
• Test Documentation: Demonstrated background authoring formal verification procedures, test plans, and acceptance test documentation.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS  

• Developmental Test (DT) Experience: Prior experience with formal Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) processes and airworthiness certification (highly desired).
• Operational Test (OT) Experience: Background supporting Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) squadrons, operational flight programs (OFP), or joint flight tests (desired).
• Security Clearance: Active Secret or Top Secret / SCI security clearance.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent military operational experience).
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RESPONSIBILITIES

End-to-End Systems Engineering & Requirements Architecture

• Holistic Systems Lifecycle Management: Design, develop, evaluate, and modify end-to-end systems and systems-oriented products throughout their complete acquisition and/or operational lifecycle.
• Requirements Traceability: Generate quantifiable, supportable requirements verification plans/test procedures. Ensure full compliance with customer mission requirements and government standards through formal verification methods (V&V).
• Requirements Decomposition: Translate high-level strategic capabilities and product roadmaps into comprehensive system requirement specifications (SRS); partner closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams (software, hardware, RF, avionics) to establish detailed, lower-level implementation requirements.
• Standards & Process Governance: Establish, coordinate, and institutionalize engineering standards, practices, and baseline procedures related to overall product development.

Technical Performance, System Integration & Design Reviews

• Technical Performance Measurement: Assess system performance and operational readiness utilizing quantifiable evaluation criteria and Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).
• Multi-Discipline Design Reviews: Actively lead and participate in formal preliminary and critical design reviews (PDR/CDR) for both hardware and software components, ensuring architectural applicability, compliance, and strict requirements traceability.
• Conceptual System Design: Participate in early conceptual system design, trade studies, and the generation of authoritative system design concept documentation.

Verification, Validation & In-Flight Flight Testing

• Test Procedure Generation: Author system-level requirements verification procedures and formal comprehensive test procedures.
• Test Plan Governance: Review comprehensive test plans and procedures to guarantee they fully satisfy contractual requirements and validation criteria.
• Airborne Flight Test Execution: Perform technical and operational test duties in-flight aboard DoW aircraft, collecting real-time data and observing system performance in true operational flight profiles.
• Requirements Validation Testing: Actively participate in laboratory, ground, and airborne testing to formally validate and certify system requirements prior to customer delivery.

Customer Liaison & Business Development Support

• Customer Liaison: Act as a primary technical advisor and liaison for customer engagements, user groups, and stakeholders to understand, define, and shape emerging mission requirements.
• Business Development & Strategy Support: Provide subject matter expertise and technical solutions to support business development activities and competitive proposals.