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:

• Strategy & Planning

  • 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.

  • Define DT/OT entrance & exit gates, traceability matrices, and milestone metrics within the Integrated Master Schedule.

• System Integration Laboratory (SIL) Leadership

  • Design lab architectures replicating platform power, data, and environmental interfaces; oversee daily ops, configuration control, and security accreditation.

  • Implement automated regression suites (Python/Robot Framework, Jenkins, Ansible, IXIA/Spirent) covering functional, performance, and cyber‑resilience tests.

• Developmental & Operational Test Execution

  • Lead ground and flight‑test events: draft test cards, hazard analyses, Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT), and Safety‑of‑Flight packages.

  • Serve as lead flight‑test engineer or ground‑test conductor, capturing telemetry, logs, and spectrum traces; troubleshoot anomalies in real time.

• Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Perform statistical analysis of throughput, latency, crypto handshake times, SWaP‑C impacts, and mission‑effect metrics.

  • Produce concise after‑action reports, deficiency reports (DRs), and recommendations for corrective action to IPTs and senior USAF stakeholders.

• Continuous Integration / DevSecOps

  • Integrate test automation hooks into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; ensure every 90‑day Smith build passes gated SIL tests before promotion.

  • Champion a “shift‑left” testing mindset—embedding verification earlier in design reviews and digital engineering artifacts.

• Mentorship & Collaboration

  • Guide junior test engineers, platform SPO test reps, and Government civilians on best practices for agile T&E.

  • 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).

Pay Range and Benefits: There are a variety of factors that can influence salary at DCS Corp, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

Salary Range: $87,934 - $205,188

At DCS, we pride ourselves on providing flexibility that allows employees to balance meaningful work with their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for learning and development.

Our broad and competitive mix of benefits is designed to support and protect employees and their families. Our robust benefit offerings include medical, dental, 401k, ESOP, PTO, education reimbursement, work/life balance, parental and other leave programs.

Learn more about our benefits here: 

Job Requirements: