Flight Test Coordinator

Leidos Defense is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Test Director to lead and oversee all testing activities associated with our flight system development and deployment program. The Test Director will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing developmental and operational testing to validate system performance, reliability, and compliance with requirements. This is a critical role that requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Test Planning and Strategy:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive test plans, test procedures, and test schedules for flight system developmental and operational testing.
• Define test objectives, scope, and success criteria based on system requirements and program goals.

• Coordinate with program management, engineering, and logistics teams to ensure test readiness.

• Test Execution and Oversight:

• Direct and oversee all aspects of flight system testing, including laboratory, field, and operationally relevant threat environment testing.
• Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved plans, procedures, and safety protocols.

• Serve as the primary decision-maker during test events, with authority to halt testing in the event of safety concerns or anomalies.

• Team Leadership and Coordination:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary test team, including engineers, data analysts, and subject matter experts.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and ensure they are trained on testing procedures and tools.

• Coordinate with government test agencies as required.

• Data Collection and Analysis:

• Oversee the collection, processing, and analysis of test data to evaluate flight system performance against requirements.
• Identify anomalies, trends, and areas for improvement based on test results.

• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of test data and findings.

• Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare and present detailed test reports, after-action reviews, and briefings to program management and stakeholders.
• Communicate test results, findings, and recommendations clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Conduct post-test debriefs and hotwashes to capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure all testing activities comply with applicable standards, regulations, and government requirements, including cybersecurity and environmental standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with test activities, including operational disruptions and safety concerns.

• Maintain compliance with DoD testing policies and directives.

• Continuous Improvement:

• Analyze results from previous test events to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Refine testing methodologies, tools, and procedures based on lessons learned and evolving program requirements.

• Support the integration of digital engineering tools and methodologies into the test process.

• System Integration and Check Out (SICO):

• Support SICO activities to ensure flight system components are properly integrated and ready for testing.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to resolve integration issues identified during SICO.

• The position requires an ABET accredited B.S. or equivalent degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in systems testing, test management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in flight vehicle system testing, development, or operations.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing developmental and operational testing for complex systems.
• Strong understanding of flight system principles, components, and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with test and evaluation methodologies, including developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT).
• Knowledge of applicable standards and regulations, including DoD testing policies and directives.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to address challenges and resolve issues under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience preparing and presenting test reports, briefings, and after-action reviews.
• Active Secret security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance if needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering

• Experience working with government test agencies, such as the U.S. Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Force or similar U.S. evaluation command center.
• Experience with flight vehicle systems in an operational or deployed environment.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program management principles.

• Experience supporting System Integration and Check Out (SICO) activities for complex systems.

• Familiarity with digital engineering tools and methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital twin technology.

• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards and best practices for flight vehicle systems, including compliance with DoD cybersecurity directives.

• Experience with environmental testing, including temperature, vibration, humidity, and electromagnetic interference testing.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Test and Evaluation certification.

• Systems Engineering certification or equivalent.

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address complex technical challenges.

• Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in testing methodologies and processes.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

Leidos Low, Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .