Job Description

Position: Senior Test Engineer – Phalanx Griffon (PG) Airborne Data Node

Join the cutting edge of digital warfare innovation as the Senior Test Engineer for Phalanx Griffon (PG)—the Air Force’s next-generation airborne connectivity platform delivering real-time, mission-critical data across the Department of the Air Force's BATTLE NETWORK. In this pivotal role, you will lead the testing strategy and execution for Major Release 2 (FY25–27), overseeing the entire lifecycle from lab integration to in-flight validation across multiple aircraft.

Key Responsibilities

Test Strategy & Planning

• Develop and manage the Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), aligning PG’s hardware (Nomad), software (Smith), and support operations (Watch) with CJADC2 mission goals and MR2 success criteria.
• Establish test entry/exit criteria, traceability matrices, and performance milestones within the broader Integrated Master Schedule.

Lab Operations & Integration Leadership

• Architect and manage the System Integration Lab (SIL) to emulate aircraft environments, including power, data interfaces, and thermal conditions.
• Oversee daily operations, maintain configuration integrity, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity and accreditation standards.
• Deploy and maintain automated testing suites using tools such as Python, Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, and IXIA/Spirent.

Ground & Flight Testing

• Lead both developmental and operational test campaigns, including drafting of test plans, risk assessments, and safety certification packages (IATT, SOF).
• Serve as the lead engineer during test flights and ground events, collecting telemetry, spectrum data, and real-time diagnostics to identify and resolve system issues.

Performance Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze system-level metrics including data throughput, latency, cryptographic handshake durations, and SWaP-C effects on mission capability.
• Deliver actionable insights through detailed after-action reviews, deficiency reports, and technical briefs for program teams and Air Force leadership.

DevSecOps & Continuous Testing

• Embed automated testing into the PG continuous integration pipeline, ensuring all Smith builds pass functional gates before release.
• Promote early-stage verification by integrating test planning into digital engineering workflows and design reviews ("shift-left" approach).

Team Leadership & Cross-Agency Coordination

• Mentor junior engineers, liaise with platform SPO representatives, and collaborate with DoD civilian testers to propagate agile T&E best practices.
• Work closely with NSA, DISA, and flight safety offices to ensure alignment with certification pathways (e.g., ATOs, crypto approvals, airworthiness).

Qualifications

Required

• U.S. Citizenship and active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of hands-on experience in DoD systems testing, from lab setup through airborne validation.
• Demonstrated leadership in developmental/operational test programs for avionics, comms, or command & control systems.
• Proficiency with automated test platforms, instrumentation, and analytical tools (e.g., MATLAB, Pandas, JMP).
• Working knowledge of standards such as MIL-STD-810/461 or RCC 324/125‑15.

Preferred

• Background in ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, or tactical data links.
• Familiarity with secure communications systems, cross-domain technologies, and RMF/eMASS compliance.
• Credentials in flight testing (e.g., USAF TPS graduate, FAA DER).
• Agile certification (Scrum/SAFe) and experience with Model-Based Testing and MBSE principles.
  

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