Software Block Lead

Provide the United States Operational Test Team (UOTT) with full-time support as primary contributor to Test and Evaluation Master Plans, Accreditation Plans, and Test Plans.  Applies extensive experience with flight test planning, execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting to anticipate current and future requirements for F-35 test.  Collaborates with the UOTT Analysis Branch as well as the F-35 Joint Program Office and Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) staffers to ensure sufficiency of Operational Test plans, including resourcing, metrics (dendrites), and evaluation criteria for effectiveness, suitability, cyber, and weapons related testing.   Identifies (and documents in accreditation plans) all factors and levels relevant to verification and validation of Modeling and Simulation facilities to include the Joint Simulation Environment.  Participates in the design of test trials to evaluate both component and system level aspects of the system under test.

Essential Job Functions:

Develop high-level documents like the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), Accreditation Plans to support use of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) environments, and Test Plans for both open air testing and M&S testing.

Represent the UOTT in collaboration with the F-35 Joint Program Office, Multi-Service Operational Test Squadrons, DOT&E staff, and internal branches within the UOTT to ensure adequacy and realism for planning.

Participate and support M&S planning through the M&S Working-Level Integrated Product Team (WIPT), the JSE User’s Group (JUG), and other working groups designed to establish F-35 OT requirements for M&S venues like the JSE.

Understand the operational employment of the F-35 based on pamphlets like AFTTP.3-1 series and interaction with active pilots in the Combat Air Forces and the Fleet.

Ensure sufficiency of Operational Test by ensuring realism in test trials to include red, blue, and environmental accuracy in test trials.

Replicate air warfare tactics in mission areas to include Defensive Counter-Air, Offensive Counter-Air, Destruction/Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, Close Air Support, Air Interdiction (air-to-surface strike), and weapons live-fire events.

Understanding of threat tactics and capabilities will be highly valuable.

Previous experience in tactical aviation is highly valuable.

Required Skills:

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

A Bachelor's degree plus 15 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree plus 12 years of experience is required.

Active Top Secret Clearance.

Minimum of 5 years working with the U.S. military in test operations, flight operations, or as a qualified aircrew member with experience in tactical aircraft.

Previous combat mission experience, developmental test experience, or operational test experience is required.

Well-qualified candidates will have extensive knowledge of fighter aircraft, the conduct of tactical missions, and threat systems and tactics.

Candidates should be able to establish Test Plan requirements and ensure operational test missions are planned and executed according to those requirements and the guidance of the Test Director or Software Block Lead.

Job Requirements: