Flight Test Engineer (Experienced) - SEAL - Open Rank (Hybrid) - Shalimar, FL

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Shalimar, FL

Project/Unit Description

The Command, Control, and Communications Division (C3D) delivers robust communications and fused data capabilities to the warfighter. C3D focuses on the idealization, development, implementation, testing, and analysis of various technical challenges ranging from joint all-domain command and control warfighting concepts to the challenges posed by the increasing lethality of the modern contested, degraded environment of a near-peer adversary.

Job Purpose

The Flight Test Engineer (FTE) performs the research, planning, development, execution, data analysis engineering, reporting, and documentation of developmental and operational test events of aircraft, systems, and unique capabilities for DOD customers. In this role, the FTE has a multi-disciplinary engineering approach to problem solving and experience with complex integrated systems to include aircraft, avionics, unmanned autonomous systems, weapons, radar, and electronic warfare offensive and defensive systems. The FTE is responsible for development of the test & evaluation strategy, integrated test & evaluation master plan framework, requirements verification and validation methods, design of experiments, test objectives, methodology, and evaluation criteria. In addition, the FTE produces lab, test facility, ground and flight test plans. The FTE has knowledge of DoD test facilities and ranges, and is able to direct and conduct test events (lab, facility, ground, flight) and support events as required by the sponsor. The FTE is also responsible for the collection and instrumentation requirements of test data, to include the review and quick look assessment of test data. This position performs data analysis engineering functions to ensure verification and validation of test plans and develops the reporting requirements for test projects. The FTE serves as the engineering subject matter expert of all sponsor and program Test and Evaluation (T&E) events, leads and supports all test plan working groups, test and safety boards, and program and technical meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instruction, development, and direction to T&E employees and projects.
• Ensure proper staffing and resources for test events.
• Oversee larger test programs, events and test teams.
• Analyze and assess test results against metrics and brief results and program impacts to sponsors and other stakeholders.
• Develop overall test program strategy and best practices.
• Serve as primary author of technical reports and presentations for projects of moderate-to-high complexity.
• Compile report input from other researchers and prepare final report deliverables.
• Support business development engagement with sponsors.
• Lead and/or significantly contribute to white papers and technical proposals.
• Serve as a resource and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Test and Evaluation initiatives.
• Provide significant technical impact on sponsor base and gain trust in community.

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of advanced Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs) for complex Department of Defense (DoD) systems, including multi-service operational platforms.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for flight test events, overseeing safety protocols, resource allocation, and performance metrics.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to junior engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment within the Test and Evaluation (T&E) team.
• Represent the organization as a senior technical advisor and subject matter expert (SME) at sponsor meetings, inter-agency working groups, and industry forums.
• Lead integrated test team coordination, ensuring alignment of test objectives, schedules, and deliverables across diverse stakeholders and disciplines.
• Design and implement advanced testing protocols for emerging technologies such as hypersonic systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and electronic warfare platforms.
• Lead the creation of technical reports, white papers, and technical proposals, contributing to business development initiatives and sponsor engagement.
• Develop and refine long-term strategies for T&E innovation, integrating cutting-edge tools and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of future programs.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams for complex DoD programs, with significant technical contributions in flight testing, system integration, and performance validation.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing TEMPs, integrated test plans, and data analysis frameworks for advanced aerospace and defense systems.
• Experience working with DoD stakeholders, including cross-functional collaboration on complex acquisition programs.
• Advanced technical acumen in radar systems, electronic warfare, and hypersonic systems with hands-on experience in test planning and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to author and deliver detailed technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering.
• Active Secret Clearance.
• Experience with high-profile DoD acquisition programs such as the E-2 Hawkeye, E-3 AWACS, E-7 Wedgetail E-8 JSTARS, E- or similar, involving large-scale system integration and T&E activities.
• Advanced certifications in Test and Evaluation Engineering or related fields, such as Level III certification in Systems Engineering from the Defense Acquisition University.
• Expertise in managing large-scale program transitions, such as those requiring compliance with Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) frameworks.
• Knowledge of advanced semiconductor systems, microelectronics, and their applications in defense technologies.
• Fluency in technical tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, MATLAB, and other simulation platforms.
• Exceptional communication skills in both technical and program management contexts, including interfacing with senior DoD officials.

Travel Requirements

10% - 25% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 14 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Human Factors Engineering, or related field.
• 12 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Human Factors Engineering, or related field.
• 9 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Human Factors Engineering, or related field.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.