Test Engineer

Job No: 503620
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Sensor Test & Evaluation - 250611
Pay Grade: R2 - Exempt
Advertised: June 08, 2026
Applications close: June 23, 2026

Position Summary:UDRI is looking for a Test Engineer to join the Sensor Test and Evaluation Group supporting the planning, coordination, execution, and documentation of ground and flight test activities for Air Force Research Laboratory programs. This position requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure test readiness, safe execution, and alignment with program objectives.
In this role, the Test Engineer will develop comprehensive test plans, detailed test cards, and other test documentation; coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all required approvals, certifications, and safety reviews are completed; and participate directly in test events, including travel to test ranges, laboratories, and partner sites. The engineer will also document test activities, capture test data, support post test analysis, and contribute to reports and briefings.
This position requires strong interpersonal and technical communication skills, as the Test Engineer serves as a vital interface between software developers, test conductors, system integrators, program management, and operational stakeholders. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, adaptable, and comfortable working in dynamic, fast paced environments where attention to detail and adherence to test discipline are essential.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field
• B.S. + 4 years (M.S. +2.5 years) Professional experience supporting system, software, or hardware testing in laboratory or field environments
• Experience developing and interpreting technical documentation such as test plans, procedures, and requirements
• Strong communication skills with ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to travel to support CONUS/OCONUS test activities
• Ability to maintain AFRL Mission Essential Personnel qualification
• Ability and willingness to fly on commercial and military aircraft to support test activities
• Active Secret clearance required
• Due to requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. citizens

Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
• Experience with DoD flight or flight test operations
• Familiarity with USAF test and evaluation processes, safety review boards, and approval workflows
• Experience acting as a liaison between software developers, test staff, and program management
• Knowledge of data collection systems, telemetry, instrumentation, or range operations
• Familiarity with DoD manned aircraft
• Experience developing AFRL test cards, mission checklists, or similar structured test documentation
• Background in radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, or other sensing technologies
• Prior experience working with government test ranges and flying military units

Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

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