Flight Test Engineer

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

Position: You will serve as a Flight Test Engineer, playing a critical role in the planning, coordination, execution support, data analysis, and reporting for developmental and operational flight tests of our advanced missile and weapons systems. Working under the Flight Test Director and closely with multidisciplinary engineering, manufacturing, program management, and test leadership teams, you will help ensure test events effectively validate system performance, safety, and mission effectiveness across realistic flight profiles and operational environments.

• Contribute to the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for missile flight tests, including ground tests and open-air flight test campaigns.
• Support test operations as a test engineer: assist with test conduct, monitor system performance, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and coordinate with range personnel, instrumentation teams, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Help define test objectives, success criteria, and data requirements in collaboration with system engineers and chief engineers; develop test strategies that integrate modeling/simulation with live testing to verify aerodynamic performance, guidance, propulsion, and end-to-end system behavior.
• Support test data collection, reduction, and detailed analysis; interpret results to assess system performance against requirements, diagnose anomalies, and recommend design or operational improvements.
• Support multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) efforts by integrating test-derived data with aerodynamic, propulsion, structures, and controls models.
• Prepare technical documentation, analysis summaries, charts, presentations, and contribute to test reports and readiness reviews for internal leadership and external stakeholders (e.g., government customers).
• Ensure compliance with engineering requirements, specifications, range safety standards, and applicable aerospace/military standards.

Qualifications:

• 2–8 years of experience in aerospace test and evaluation, with hands-on experience supporting or leading aspects of flight testing for missile, weapons, or aerospace systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school such as Empire Test Pilot School, US Naval Test Pilot School, USAF Test Pilot School or other similar schools.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and supporting complex flight tests, including test procedure development, range operations coordination, and post-test data analysis/reporting.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense standards (e.g., MIL-STD, range safety requirements, DO-178 or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with rigorous attention to safety, verification, data integrity, and engineering accuracy.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance and background-screening requirements.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented, fast-paced environment with a focus on mission success and continuous improvement.

Desired Skills:

• Proficiency with test data reduction tools, scripting for analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB/Simulink), and familiarity with CFD or trajectory simulation environments is a strong plus.
• Prior experience with missile, hypersonic weapon, or defense flight test programs in a contractor or government environment.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, telemetry systems, data acquisition, and post-flight reconstruction techniques.
• Experience with operational test (OT) and developmental test (DT) activities.
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) or integration of modeling/simulation with live flight testing.

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

#Hiring #DefenseTech #AerospaceCareers