UAS Flight Test Engineer

The Opportunity: 

We are seeking a highly qualified Test Engineer to drive the planning, logistics, and execution of comprehensive testing activities for autonomous Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Our team is focused on building autonomy to support the warfighter, reducing cognitive loads and time spent “on the controls” of UAS. These autonomous systems require rigorous evaluation to ensure safety and thorough evaluation of complex behaviors and interactions, which is where you and your passion for Test and Evaluation (T&E) come in. As a key contributor to our autonomous systems team, you’ll orchestrate our T&E process as we bring new capabilities and products to market. You will lead indoor and outdoor flight tests from design through execution, including test plan development, test event logistics, safety approaches, analysis, and interpretation of results. You’ll drive test processes and acceptance criteria for simulation-based testing, including Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) using platforms like Gazebo.

You will focus on ensuring the reliable performance and safety of UAS systems through rigorous test planning, development of custom testing tools, execution of flight and simulation experiments, and data-driven analysis, all with a goal of proving whether development software meets performance requirements and user objectives. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, UAS piloting proficiency, and strong communication skills to validate autonomous system designs and help drive high-quality product delivery.

Work with us as we develop software solutions to deliver the next generation of autonomous software and operation to the warfighter.

Join us. The world can’t wait.  

You Have: 

• 3+ years of experience in flight test engineering supporting unmanned aircraft systems, including test planning, execution, and troubleshooting of field and simulation-based tests

• 3+ years of experience with SITL and HITL simulation platforms, including Gazebo or PX4

• Experience in piloting and operating Group 1-3 UAS safely, effectively, and in compliance with FAA regulations

• Knowledge of telemetry, data acquisition systems, and flight control systems

• Ability to analyze flight and simulation test results, extract actionable insights, generate data-driven technical deliverables, write detailed technical documentation, generate test reports, and deliver clear presentations to technical and non-technical audiences

• Ability to coordinate airspace, range resources, and ground or flight crew activities

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Engineering

• FAA Part 107 for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Certification

Nice If You Have: 

• 5+ years of experience in UAS system testing, integration, or certification processes

• Experience in systems engineering or requirements verification for aerospace systems

• Experience in writing test support software for purposes such as data collection, processing, visualization, or analysis, such as developing custom telemetry tools or results evaluation

• Knowledge of autonomous system software, including AI/ML or computer vision for robotics

• Knowledge of mission autonomy frameworks and integrating multiple autonomous systems into operational workflows

• Knowledge of industry standards, FAA regulations, and military guidelines related to UAS operations and testing

• Secret clearance

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering

  

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.