Sierra Nevada Corporation

Test Engineer III

Sierra Nevada Corporation$98K — $135K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering.
  • Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
  • Hands-on experience with RF and electronic test equipment.
  • Ability to read schematics and follow logical troubleshooting techniques.
  • Active United States Top Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain flight test plans, procedures, and reports.
  • Support program-level test planning and resource coordination.
  • Execute developmental and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems.
  • Operate RF and electronic test equipment for various assessments.
  • Support aircraft integration and troubleshoot test anomalies.
  • Interface with engineering teams to align test activities with objectives.
  • Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
  • Life insurance and 3 weeks paid time off.
  • Tuition reimbursement and additional benefits offered.
Full Job Description
As a Test Engineer III, you will lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for advanced aerospace and defense systems. This role requires in-depth expertise in testing methodologies and the ability to manage multiple test projects simultaneously, ensuring product compliance and performance.

Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles.

The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.

Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.

Responsibilities:

Planning & Documentation
  • Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements.
  • Support program-level test planning, including strategies, schedules, risk identification, and resource coordination.

Hands-on Testing
  • Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems and avionics.
  • Operate RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multi-meters, data acquisition units, and various transducers and accelerometers.

Integration & Troubleshooting
  • Support aircraft integration, subsystem checkout, and test anomaly investigation and resolution.
  • Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Safety Review Boards, and post-test data analysis.

Collaboration & Leadership
  • Interface with systems engineering, avionics, software, and program management to ensure test activities align with technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers.


Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
  • Proven knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
  • Experience with planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
  • Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.
  • FAA Class III Medical Certification required. Candidates without current certification must obtain it prior to hire.
  • Ability to complete Altitude Chamber training and qualification
  • Hands-on experience with RF and electronic test equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, multi-meters, data acquisition units, transducers, accelerometers).
  • Experience developing and executing ground and flight test plans and procedures.
  • Strong background in requirements management (derivation, traceability, verification, and selloff).
  • Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with aircraft avionics systems, architectures, and integration.
  • Active United Stated Top Secret Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility.


Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and/or missionized aircraft
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD and aerospace standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461).
  • Experience supporting FAA and/or military (DoD) certification efforts.
  • Knowledge of requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama).
  • Prior experience in a lead test or integration IPT role.
  • Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experience in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
  • Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies, including manual and automated testing.


Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.


This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $98,633.53 - $135,621.11. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is an American privately held electronic systems provider and systems integrator specializing in microsatellites, telemedicine, and commercial orbital transportation services. The company was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Sparks, Nevada. SNC has a workforce of over 4,000 employees and operates in 33 locations in 19 U.S. states, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, and Australia. The company's products and services include spacecraft, aircraft, electronics, and cyber security. SNC is committed to providing innovative solutions that help customers achieve their goals.
Learn more about Sierra Nevada Corporation
Size
4,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1980

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