Test Engineer III

Test Engineer III - Aerospace and Defense Systems

Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Test Engineer III, you will lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for advanced aerospace and defense systems. This role requires in-depth expertise in testing methodologies and the ability to manage multiple test projects simultaneously, ensuring product compliance and performance.

Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles. The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards.

Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.

About the ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) Business Area

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support.

IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities

• Planning & Documentation:
• Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with program and customer requirements.
• Support program-level test planning, including strategies, schedules, risk identification, and resource coordination.
• Hands-on Testing:
• Execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for aircraft mission systems and avionics.
• Operate RF and electronic test equipment, including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, multi-meters, data acquisition units, and various transducers and accelerometers.
• Integration & Troubleshooting:
• Support aircraft integration, subsystem checkout, and test anomaly investigation and resolution.
• Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Safety Review Boards, and post-test data analysis.
• Collaboration & Leadership:
• Interface with systems engineering, avionics, software, and program management to ensure test activities align with technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior test engineers.

Qualifications

You Must Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in aerospace or defense test engineering.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies.
• Proven knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Experience with planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
• Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.
• FAA Class III Medical Certification required. Candidates without current certification must obtain it prior to hire.
• Ability to complete Altitude Chamber training and qualification.
• Hands-on experience with RF and electronic test equipment (spectrum/network analyzers, multi-meters, data acquisition units, transducers, accelerometers).
• Experience developing and executing ground and flight test plans and procedures.
• Strong background in requirements management (derivation, traceability, verification, and selloff).
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with aircraft avionics systems, architectures, and integration.
• Active United States Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI Eligibility.

We Prefer

• Experience supporting DoD programs, ISR platforms, and/or missionized aircraft.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD and aerospace standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461).
• Experience supporting FAA and/or military (DoD) certification efforts.
• Knowledge of requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama).
• Prior experience in a lead test or integration IPT role.
• Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experience in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
• Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies, including manual and automated testing.

Essential Functions

• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.

Estimated Starting Salary Range

$98,633.53 - $135,621.11

Benefits

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Important Notice

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

About SNC

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.