Senior Test Engineer

Phalanx Griffon (PG) is the Air Force's next-gen airborne node connecting warfighters to decision-quality data across the DAF BATTLE NETWORK. As Senior Test Engineer, you will architect and execute the end-to-end verification, validation, and flight-test strategy for Major Release 2 (FY 25-27)-from bench-level checkout in the Integration SIL to operational acceptance on multiple aircraft.

Essential Job Functions:

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  Strategy & Planning
  
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    Build the Program-level Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) that links Nomad hardware, Smith software, and Watch ops-support elements to CJADC2 mission threads and MR 2 exit criteria.
    
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    Define DT/OT entrance & exit gates, traceability matrices, and milestone metrics within the Integrated Master Schedule.
    
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  System Integration Laboratory (SIL) Leadership
  
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    Design lab architectures replicating platform power, data, and environmental interfaces; oversee daily ops, configuration control, and security accreditation.
    
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    Implement automated regression suites (Python/Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, IXIA/Spirent) covering functional, performance, and cyber-resilience tests.
    
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  Developmental & Operational Test Execution
  
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    Lead ground and flight-test events: draft test cards, hazard analyses, Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT), and Safety-of-Flight packages.
    
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    Serve as lead flight-test engineer or ground-test conductor, capturing telemetry, logs, and spectrum traces; troubleshoot anomalies in real time.
    
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  Data Analysis & Reporting
  
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    Perform statistical analysis of throughput, latency, crypto handshake times, SWaP-C impacts, and mission-effect metrics.
    
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    Produce concise after-action reports, deficiency reports (DRs), and recommendations for corrective action to IPTs and senior USAF stakeholders.
    
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  Continuous Integration / DevSecOps
  
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    Integrate test automation hooks into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; ensure every 90-day Smith build passes gated SIL tests before promotion.
    
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    Champion a "shift-left" testing mindset-embedding verification earlier in design reviews and digital engineering artifacts.
    
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  Mentorship & Collaboration
  
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    Guide junior test engineers, platform SPO test reps, and Government civilians on best practices for agile T&E.
    
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    Interface with NSA, DISA, and flight-safety authorities to align test artifacts with certification needs (ATO, crypto, airworthiness).
    

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related discipline (M.S. a plus) and 10+ years of DoD system-of-systems test engineering, including lab-to-flight progression.

Active TS/SCI clearance.

Proven leadership of large-scale DT/OT efforts for avionics, communications, or C2 systems.

Hands-on with test automation frameworks, instrumentation, and data-analysis tools (MATLAB, Pandas, JMP, or similar).

Familiarity with MIL-STD-810/461, RCC 324/125-15, or comparable environmental and EMI/EMC standards.

Desired Skills:

Previous work on ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, or tactical data-link programs.

Experience with Type-1 crypto, cross-domain solutions, and RMF/eMASS artifacts.

Flight-test credentials (USAF TPS grad, FAA DER, or equivalent).

Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification; knowledge of Model-Based Test (MBSE-driven test cases).