OverviewTheater-Based Flight/Ground Test Engineer
LOCATION: Huntsville, AL, Redstone Arsenal
JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: SECRET
TRAVEL: Up to 20%
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Theater-Based Flight/Ground Test Engineer supporting the Missile Defense Agency’s Theater-Based Defense Directorate (TB), THAAD Test (TBTT) division at the Von Braun Complex on the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Astrion is at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and supports the MDA’s rigorous operational and developmental testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians supporting the research, development, testing, and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage, and destroy adversary missiles.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
- MS in a related engineering field. A BS with five years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for the MS degree requirement
- 10 years of recent relevant experience
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance
- Experience working in a fast paced, professional team environment with the ability to adjust/react to short notice requirements changes, deadlines, changing schedules, competing priorities, and unpredictable events
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Must be willing to travel up to 20% of the time
HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
- Keen understanding of the systems engineering processes from requirements development to verification and testing
- Familiarity with Missile Defense Agency program objectives
- In depth knowledge of the Missile Defense System (MDS) capability, components and system level topics
- Knowledge of MDA test planning, processes and execution
- Experience with development of test plans (Test Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) or Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP)) for major defense acquisition program
- Experience in planning test events in a resource constrained environment
- Experience with cybersecurity test planning
- Hardware in the Loop test experience
- Experience in development of briefings for Sr. Leadership
- Recent experience in THAAD development of Hardware and Software components.
- Experience modeling threat ballistic missiles and/or analyzing threat data in any or all of the following disciplines: Auto CAD, LabView, MS Office, DEWEsoft, Python
- Proficient with Windows-based PC software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Project, MS Teams)
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Flight/Ground Test Engineer plays a critical role in the integration, execution, and continuous improvement of the THAAD weapons system within simulated and live wargaming environments. Their duties span the full lifecycle of test events, divided into Non-Deployed (Lab & Training) and Deployed (Operational Execution) responsibilities which include:
- Support system readiness, software validation, and personnel training within the laboratory environment
- Monitor systems to identify deficiencies, annotate issues, and recommend practical fixes
- Develop and present comprehensive briefings for visiting VIPs to demonstrate the operation use and strategic impact of RISTS within the WG&E ecosystem
- Manage end-to-end execution of Flight Test and wargames and exercises, from initial scenario design to post-event analysis
- Design realistic, challenging wargame scenarios – define core objectives, manage logistical parameters
- Provide Warfighter information to build high-fidelity end-to-end digital representations of the THAAD weapons system constructing robust battle plans, and Flight Test scenarios
- Integrate RISTS into the broader BMDS architecture
- Instruct and educate military audiences on threat tactics, system capabilities and employment methodologies
- Support operational execution by managing and operating complex simulation systems and conduct real-time assessments of simulated engagements
- Provide analysis and reporting of event outcomes
- Provide exceptional downrange support, which is instrumental in the successful execution of THAAD Flight tests.
- Provide proven, step-by-step process flows, product enhancement across all mission areas, and application of critically protected information criteria and lessons learned, and full compliance with all applicable DoD/MDA directives.
- Support technical efforts for the THAAD systems case involving the integration, checkout, and delivery of THAAD battery equipment, including supporting Element Integration and Checkout (EICO) of each THAAD battery at test ranges.
- Support the pre-test planning, development of test documentation, range coordination, site preparation, management reviews, test execution, data collection, and data transfer activities.
- Coordinate with the THAAD Program Office and DE in development of TO memos, test scenarios, test requirements, and test range logistics.
- Support executive reviews/brief-outs to apprise leadership of mission status, including preparing for/participating in CVTCs from remote test range locations and developing executive-level technical briefings (e.g., for THAAD UAE EICO-A/TrackEx EMER).
- Support all Continuous Development Integration (CDI) activities on behalf of the THAAD Ground Test Directorate (THTG)
- Review and provide inputs to MDA Test Objective Memorandums (TOM), Operational Tasking Link (OPTASKLINK), and Event Communications Baseline (ECB)
- Support MDA Ground Test Directorate (DTG) Executive and Integrated Test Team (IETT) Reviews
- Develop inputs to MDA Ground Test Source material including event Scenario Matrices (SM) and Scenario Design Reviews (SDR) for the MDA Directorate for Test (DT)
- Develop Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and brief to the THAAD Weapon System Test (THT) Director
- Lead the MDA and THAAD Quality teams through the Certification Data Package (CDP) Process, confirming M&S HW/SW readiness for testing
- Lead all phases of Ground Test Development from Element Standalone (ESA) to Test Case Integration (TCI) and Developmental/Operational Test Runs-for-Record (DT/OT RFR)
- Interface with THAAD Warfighters (WF) regarding their roles, event scenarios, and TTP/PPR for MDA Ground Test events
- Observe Laboratory M&S system performance, WF interaction, and submit daily End-of Day (EOD) reports during MDA Ground Test events RFR
- Develop Test Execution Reports (TER) including anomaly investigation and analysis along with formal System Test Observation (STO) status and reporting
