Job ID: 5168
Date Posted: September 30, 2025
Flight Operations Center (FOC) Engineer
Junior- to Mid-level
Overview
A Flight Operations Center (FOC) Engineer is responsible for supporting day-to-day operations of the Flight Service Center, ensuring safe, compliant, and effective flight operations for both manned and unmanned aircraft in support of multiple programs. This role coordinates across test ranges, program teams, and regulatory authorities to schedule, plan, and execute flight activities. In addition, an FOC Engineer applies mechanical and aerospace engineering expertise to design, integrate, and validate flight hardware, ensuring mission success.This role reports through the Systems Engineering discipline within the matrix organization and directly to a Senior Systems Engineer. While a FOC Engineer will not have direct reports, they will work closely with peers and technical staff supporting the Flight Service Center, guiding activities, coordinating operations, and serving as the primary point of accountability for flight operations success.The position offers significant growth opportunities: it is positioned on a career ladder that can advance toward senior engineering leadership, flight test director roles, or broader program management responsibilities, depending on the candidate’s interests and strengths. A FOC Engineer will gain exposure to a wide range of disciplines—including systems engineering, aerospace integration, regulatory compliance, and test operations—while mentoring junior staff informally and building operational expertise.Candidates who thrive in this role will be detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable balancing day-to-day operational tasks with long-term planning and improvement initiatives. This position is well-suited for Engineers who want to broaden their impact beyond pure design work, building toward future leadership in aerospace systems and flight operations.The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems Division delivers mission-critical solutions, specializing in cyber operations, information architecture, strategic deterrence, and ISR. Our division’s commitment to innovation and security enables us to provide critical solutions across defense, intelligence, and national security. Join our team and contribute to the next generation of defense technologies.Key Responsibilities
Operations & Coordination
- Supports and runs overall Flight Service Center operations, ensuring readiness of facilities, equipment, and personnel
- Coordinates with test ranges, program teams, and external sites for scheduling, planning, and test preparation
- Ensures compliance with FAA, FCC, and other regulatory requirements for manned and unmanned aircraft operations, including preparation and submission of required paperwork
- Oversees scheduling of aircraft, pilots, and maintenance activities to meet program and customer needs
- Develops and enforces standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure flight safety, efficiency, and compliance
- Works with Systems Engineers to review and validate test plans against site-specific concerns, safety requirements, and logistical constraints
- Serves as primary point of contact for Program Managers regarding flight operations status, scheduling, and risk assessments
Engineering & Technical Contribution
- Performs design and analysis of sensors, systems, and payload mounts for manned and unmanned platforms
- Designs and routes cabling to meet operational, safety, and maintainability requirements
- Oversees and assists in the installation, integration, and testing of sensors, avionics, and systems
- Supports troubleshooting and root cause analysis of flight hardware and system integration issues
- Contributes to risk assessments and mitigation strategies related to airworthiness, payload integration, and test operations
- Provides technical mentorship to junior Engineers and Technicians supporting flight operations
Leadership & Growth
- Interfaces with leadership to communicate operational capabilities, constraints, and resource needs
- Drives continuous improvement in flight operations, engineering practices, and safety culture
- Supports long-term planning for expanding flight test capabilities, including infrastructure, staffing, and technology
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in flight operations, aerospace systems integration, or test range support
- Knowledge of FAA and FCC regulations for aircraft operations (manned and unmanned)
- Experience with aircraft scheduling, maintenance coordination, and operational readiness
- Hands-on experience with mechanical design (mounts, payload integration, structural analysis) and cable harness design
- Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo) for design and analysis
- Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple parallel operations
- Excellent communication and coordination skills, with the ability to interface across engineering, operations, and customer teams
- Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance
Preferred
- Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- FAA pilot’s license or UAS Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
- Experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration and flight operations
- Knowledge of MIL-STD or aerospace certification standards related to airworthiness and flight safety
- Familiarity with systems engineering practices, including requirements management, test planning, and risk management
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in a test or operations environment
*Salary Range
- $81,000 - $116,000
- Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience
This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process. Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days. However, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.
For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [email protected].
Aerospace Engineering (2)