Responsibilities

• Infrared System Testing & Evaluation:
• Design and execute flight test plans for infrared sensors and systems on advanced air platforms.
• Evaluate IR sensor performance against program requirements under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Perform real-time and post-flight data analysis to assess sensor accuracy, resolution, range, and target acquisition performance.
• Sensor Integration and Validation:
• Collaborate with systems engineers and avionics teams to integrate infrared systems into aircraft platforms and ensure seamless functionality.
• Validate IR system integration with other subsystems, such as communications, radar, and weapons systems.
• Flight Test Planning and Execution:
• Create detailed flight test briefs, procedures, and configurations to optimize test outcomes.
• Conduct pre-mission planning and post-mission debriefs to capture lessons learned and refine systems.
• Monitor performance during live flight operations and resolve issues related to infrared system testing.
• Performance Analysis:
• Develop models and simulations to predict system performance under test conditions.
• Use data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or specialized IR analytics tools) to verify compliance with program standards and objectives.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Develop technical test reports, summaries, and decision-support materials for stakeholders.
• Create documentation for flight test processes, results, and recommendations for system improvements.
• Compliance and Standards:
• Ensure that test procedures and evaluation criteria align with DoD standards, including MIL-STD specifications.
• Maintain adherence to program-specific guidelines throughout the test and evaluation lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field; advanced degrees are a plus.
• 12+ years of experience in infrared systems design, testing, and evaluation, especially in aerospace or defense applications.
• Expertise in IR technologies, including sensor integration, optical performance analysis, and imaging systems.
• Familiarity with flight testing processes, data acquisition tools, and post-flight analysis methods.
• Proficiency with technical modeling and data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, Python).
• Experience working on advanced air platform systems, such as UAVs, fighter jets, or surveillance aircraft.
• Must possess an active Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI.

• 15+ years of experience in infrared systems design, testing, and evaluation, especially in aerospace or defense applications.
• Certifications that validate technical expertise in infrared systems and flight testing:
• Certified Test and Evaluation Professional (CTEP) – International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA).
• INFRARED Thermography Certification – Validating proficiency with IR sensor and imaging applications.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP): Demonstrates systems engineering expertise for sensor integration.
• CompTIA Security+ or CISSP: Foundational cybersecurity certification applicable to defense systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification: To optimize test and evaluation processes.
• Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) Certification: For IR systems applied in geolocation and targeting.
• Knowledge of DoD standards and requirements, such as MIL-STD-810 (Environmental Testing) and MIL-HDBK-516C (Airworthiness).
• Familiarity with sensor fusion technologies for multi-modal systems integration.
• Experience with testing in controlled environments, such as ranges, wind tunnels, or simulation labs.