Advanced Ground Test Engineer

Advanced Ground Test Engineer

Make a Real Difference - Astrion is seeking an advanced level Ground Test Engineer to support Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Ground Test Directorate (MDA/DTG) in all aspects of Missile Defense System (MDS) ground test planning and execution. Astrion is at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and supports MDA’s rigorous operational and developmental testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians supporting the research, development, testing, and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage, and destroy adversary missiles. 

Your typical day – Our MDA engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities at Schriever Space Force Base (SFB, located just east of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a hub of missile and space operations, research and development. You will collaborate with other missile defense experts – military, government civilians, and contractors from Astrion and other companies.  Our team of experts helps the Government manage planning, development, analysis and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems.

Position Overview/Tasks:

The Ground Test Engineer supports ground test planning, coordinating and implementing execution activities for a variety of Missile Defense System (MDS) tests.  The candidate directly supports the government Mission Directors and Mission Test Directors (MD/MTD) in pre-mission / post-mission planning, coordination and execution of assigned Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and distributed ground tests. The ideal candidate will:

• Ensure the ground test contractor team completes all planning and execution tasks on schedule for their respective ground tests
• Coordinate with internal MDA cross-functional elements and multiple external stakeholders, developing and presenting working-level technical briefings as well as executive / senior level briefings
• Support multiple efforts simultaneously, working independently or with a team
• Assist the ground test team to resolve issues arising during test planning, integration, execution, and analysis processes
• Establish priorities and manage activities in accordance with approved Ground Test issuances (e.g., CONOPS), track test event documentation and lead change management activities throughout the ground test event planning process
• Develop, submit, and track test observations and lessons learned for assigned tests, document and track ground test watch items from discovery to closure and ensure appropriate mitigations are in place
• Lead weekly Integration Event Test Team (IETT) planning meetings, maintain distribution lists, and schedule appropriate facilities/conference rooms
• Review/develop end-of-day situation reports and submit all test data products to the Missile Defense Agency Data Distribution Center (MDDC).

Requirements:

• Currently Active Secret security clearance or the eligibility to obtain clearance
• MS in Engineering field with 10 years of professional experience. A BS with 15 total years of relevant experience may be substituted for the MS degree requirement
• Experience with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Missile Defense System (MDS) Ground Test environment
• Capable of serving as the lead contractor for a ground test
• Capable of providing test support on systems, system elements, interfacing systems, components, devices and/or processes for developmental and operational weapon system programs during developmental and operational tests, particularly in distributed environments (assets integrated into test from fielded locations across the globe)
• Capable of working as a member of a team to assist with solving complex test planning, integration, execution, and analysis problems
• Able to communicate effectively across multiple internal and external organizations, verbally, electronically, and in writing
• Experience with DoD test processes and/or test execution desired

Highly Desired Experience:

• Experience with MDA testing is highly desired
• Knowledge of MDS components and system-level topics highly desired