Test Engineer - Flight System Integration

CFD Research Corporation is seeking a Test Engineer to join our rapidly-growing team in Crane, IN, to help in our mission to collaboratively advance the state of hypersonics research and development in the United States. The Test Engineer will lead system integration and test activities for hypersonic test vehicles and related subsystems. This role is responsible for planning, developing procedures, scheduling, and executing system-level, flight, ground, and simulation tests. Key duties include managing hardware and software integration, ensuring adherence to test standards and protocols, and verifying/validating system performance requirements. The Test Engineer will coordinate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and external stakeholders to ensure test readiness, capture and analyze results, document integration processes, and proactively mitigate technical, safety, and schedule risks. The role also includes coordinating test schedules with other missions and Test Engineers to optimize usage of Integration and Environmental Test resources.

Basic Qualifications:

• Candidate must be a US Citizen and have an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (or similar STEM discipline) and 3+ years of relevant experience OR 5-7 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Experience developing and executing detailed test procedures for complex aerospace, defense, or high-performance systems.
• Ability to create, track, complete and close discrepancy reports.
• Familiarity with telemetry checkout equipment and other vehicle/payload ground support equipment operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for performing fit checks, integration operations, and hands-on hardware verification.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting DoD or private testing campaigns working on government contracts.
• Hands-on integration experience with hardware and/or software systems.
• Experience supporting rocket launched or high-performance systems.
• Familiarity with environmental test systems such as vibration, mass properties, flight safety processes, and telemetry integration.

Location: This role is based in the Crane, INarea, and is 100% onsite.