Senior Staff Engineer, Test Director (R5445)

What you'll do:

Act as Test Director for system-level integration and flight test campaigns of Hivemind Mission Autonomy on small UAS and external platforms 
Own test readiness decisions, including entry/exit criteria for lab, simulation, ground, and flight test phases 
Plan, direct, and execute fly–fix–fly test campaigns, ensuring rapid iteration while maintaining disciplined configuration control and safety 
Define and enforce test strategy, including system-level verification and validation, test phasing, and prioritization of objectives 
Direct cross-functional test execution, coordinating across various engineering disciplines and test operators. 
Determine test infrastructure requirements, including SIL, HIL, simulation environments, flight test assets, and automated test pipelines 
Approve and oversee test procedures, test cards, and execution plans, serving as the final authority during test conduct 
Define performance metrics and success criteria, ensuring test data is actionable and traceable to requirements and mission outcomes 
Lead flight test risk assessments, hazard analyses, and mitigation planning; enforce safety-of-flight discipline during operations 
Serve as primary test interface to internal leadership, customers, and external stakeholders, providing clear reporting on test progress, results, and risks 
Establish test standards, SOPs, and best practices aligned with industry and DoD DT&E/OT&E expectations 
Document test results, anomalies, corrective actions, and lessons learned, driving continuous improvement across autonomy flight test efforts 
Support travel to test sites, customer events, and integration activities as required 
Perform other duties as assigned 

Required qualifications:

B.S. degree in a STEM discipline (Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field) 
7+ years of experience in system integration and test, including SIL, HIL, simulation, and flight test environments 
Demonstrated experience leading test execution, including authority over test conduct, readiness, and risk decisions 
Strong background working cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, safety, and program management teams 
Highly organized and methodical, with the ability to manage complex, fast-paced test campaigns 
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing technical status to leadership and customers 
Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and commitment to high standards while fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment 

Preferred qualifications:

Working knowledge of DoD DT&E and OT&E processes and documentation expectations 
Direct experience with small UAS, autonomy, or robotic flight test operations 
Prior role as Test Director, Test Conductor, or Lead Flight Test Engineer 
Experience operating within DoD software and hardware laboratories or government flight test ranges 
Familiarity with safety-of-flight processes, hazard analysis, and configuration control in flight test environments