Job Description

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).

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