Flight Test Engineer
About the job
- An active Secret clearance is required, and U.S. citizenship is required.
- A master's degree in an applicable discipline is required; mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering is preferred.
- At least 10 years of flight test experience is required.
- F-16 flight test experience is required.
- Knowledge of professional engineering concepts, principles, and techniques, including substantive experience in testing and evaluating new or modified weapon systems, is required.
- Subject matter experts are typically recognized industry leaders in their area of expertise.
- Develop and plan test strategies, write test plans, and publish test reports using knowledge of military test and training range operations, flight safety, scheduling, and airspace restrictions.
- Write test procedures and test cards, conduct test events, and write test event reports.
- Lead test teams comprising test engineers, data scientists, technicians, maintenance personnel, flight schedulers, pilots, and aircrew.
- Manage test schedules for multiple lines of test and aircraft conducting concurrent operations.
- Apply understanding of current fighter tactics and weapon system capabilities to test planning, execution, and reporting.
- Plan and program hardware and software test series and individual test missions.
- Interface with weapon system prime contractors and the government System Program Office regarding test objectives, schedules, budgets, and methods of test.
- Work on high-visibility or mission-critical aspects of a program.
- Coordinate aircraft modification schedules and availability of program-owned special test equipment.
- Travel to defense contractors’ facilities, out-of-state test sites, and other locations for periods of time in support of test programs.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Work effectively as part of a test team and lead and direct the work of others.
- Experience working with operational or developmental test organizations is highly desired.
- Proficiency in using and integrating Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with range operations, safety, scheduling, and airspace use.
- Knowledge of Eglin-based flight test processes and procedures, especially developmental test and evaluation.
- Flight Safety Course, Weapons School, or Test Pilot School experience.
- Graduation from Air Force or Navy Test Pilot School is highly desired.
About the company
Akima provides services to the U.S. federal government across facilities, IT, logistics, protective services, systems engineering, mission support, FF&E, and construction. It delivers contracted, integrated services to help government missions succeed. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation, Akima aims to create long-term value for its parent while achieving superior outcomes for customers, guided by Iñupiat values. Its differentiators include Alaska Native ownership, a broad multi-domain service footprint, and a focus on federal missions; its goal is to support customer missions and sustain value for NANA and the Iñupiat community.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Founded
1995
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Akima subsidiaries won MDA SHIELD positions on March 16, 2026.
- Akima Data Management won FDA DevSecOps support worth $4.6 million in April 2026.
- Akima’s 2025 Washington Technology rank improved to 31, signaling stronger scale.
What critics are saying
- Akima faces dependence on federal spending and procurement timing across U.S. agencies.
- Arevalo v. Akima, LLC reached the Fourth Circuit in July 2026.
- Pinnacle Solutions' GSA schedule ends August 8, 2026, threatening recompete disruption.
What makes Akima unique
- NANA-owned Alaska Native Corporation status helps Akima win set-aside federal work.
- Akima spans facilities, IT, logistics, protective services, systems engineering, and construction.
- Pinnacle Solutions adds Air Force training and sustainment depth after April 2023 acquisition.
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Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- 401(k) Company Match