Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

Modern Technology Solutions · Edwards Air Force Base · $170,000 (stated in the posting)

MTSI is seeking Flight Test Engineer (FTE) candidates to lead various research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) primarily on the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), but other TPS aircraft as required. Duty location is at Edwards AFB.

*This position will be required to start between October 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026.

The following specific duties are anticipated:

During the extensive Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62 (May 2026 to approximately March 2027), responsible for technical coordination of the modifications to the aircraft – with otherX-62 project support organizations/personnel.
Coordinate the aircraft’s mod schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and with 412TW/AFTC when required.
Assist in developing X-62 system proposal/change requests, and evolving system requirements/needs for the MSU modifications.
Responsible for the research focused, operations engineering associated with the X-62 aircraft (post-MSU modifications), which include:
Assisting the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) to coordinate research efforts and their associated test missions efforts that could utilize the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs).
Aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling
Test Execution - Conductor/Director duties
Responsible for test planning (test plans and safety plan writing, coordination, approval)
Including test cards development, coordination, and approvals
Other duties in-line with MTSI’s core value to “Own and Solve our Customer’s Problems”.

Required:

Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in all phases of planning, executing, and managing flight tests and a reputation of being a team player. The demands of the X-62 are unique due to its unique leading-edge, low-TRL research mission
5 year minimum (10 years desired) hands-on experience and knowledge with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare – including AESA radar, IRST, EO/IR imaging, radar warning receivers
Direct experience or extensive familiarization with DoD Class II modification processes, aircraft airworthiness & approvals, and aircraft H/W & S/W configuration control.
Experience with AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems.
Experience leading research programs within the military flight test domain.
Experience running or executing missions from a Mission Control Room. Qualified (or skills & experience necessary to achieve qualification) test conductor/director (TC/TD).
Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of discipline engineers to support Flight Test Operations.
Work well in a team environment as well as independently. Skilled in making valued, trusted, defendable recommendations to leadership.
Experience generating test plans, flight test mission material, post-mission & detailed final reports.
Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers’ requirements and needs.

Qualifications Desired:

Either USAF Test Pilot School Graduate or >10 yrs experience within a military flight test organization, preferably with one of the AFTC centers (Edwards AFB, Eglin AFB, or Holloman)
Wide breadth of aircraft test related experience, examples include sensors, EW, T-2 modifications, fight dynamics/performance, aircraft systems, and system networks.
Developmental Test experience

Education Requirements:

Required - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (must have 20+ yrs of relevant work experience).
Desired – Master’s degree in a STEM field (must have 15+ yrs of relevant work experience).

Travel:

Travel up to 10% may be required for this position.

Clearance Requirements:

Secret clearance is required.
Ability to obtain TS/SCI

U.S. Citizenship is required

The pay range for this position in California is $170,000/year to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.

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