Lead Flight Test Engineer

L3Harris Technologies

Lead Flight Test Engineer in L3Harris Technologies supporting developmental and operational test activities. Execute complex ground and flight test events ensuring safety and technical alignment.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeRichardson • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in planning and executing ground and flight test events for unmanned aircraft and missile systems, with a strong focus on test planning, risk assessment, and cross-functional coordination. Proficient in developing test objectives, procedures, and reports while ensuring compliance with safety and airworthiness standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Test PlanningRisk AssessmentAirworthiness CoordinationTechnical Problem-SolvingCross-Functional Coordination

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Test Plan DevelopmentTest Procedure ExecutionData ReviewAnomaly ResolutionTelemetry AnalysisIntegration and CheckoutFlight Clearance EffortsSafety Approval PackagesTechnical GuidanceComplex Assignment Management

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam CollaborationLeadership

Certifications & Qualifications

Active U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Unmanned Aircraft SystemsMissile SystemsFlight Test OperationsGround Test OperationsSafety LimitsEngineering CoordinationProgram LeadershipOperational TestingEnvironmental TestingAcceptance Testing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan and execute ground and flight test events for unmanned aircraft and missile systems.
Develop test objectives, procedures, test cards, evaluation criteria, readiness review materials, and test reports.
Lead or participate in test readiness reviews, pre-test briefings, and post-test debriefs to confirm event readiness, communicate risk, capture results, and define follow-on actions.
Coordinate vehicle configuration, instrumentation, staffing, logistics, scheduling, and range support for each test event.
Lead or support complex test operations by coordinating with flight operations, ground support crews, air traffic control, range personnel, and other external stakeholders as required to maintain safe execution, strong team communication, and day-to-day technical alignment.
Support integration, checkout, and verification of avionics, propulsion, flight controls, payload interfaces, and other hardware and software, as applicable.
Identify hazards, assess risk, and ensure testing is conducted within approved procedures and safety limits.
Lead preparation and coordination of airworthiness and safety approval packages required to support ground and flight test.
Review telemetry, instrumentation, mission results, and operator observations; document anomalies; support root-cause investigations; and define follow-on testing.
Work with engineering, operations, and program leadership to refine requirements, resolve issues, and improve test methods.
Support developmental, integration, qualification, environmental, acceptance, and operationally focused test efforts across hardware and software.
Travel to test locations and support remote-site operations, including extended work hours during active test windows, as required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active U.S. DoD Secret security clearance required; must be a U.S. citizen.
Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, or another relevant technical field, and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience.
Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
Experience developing and executing test plans, procedures, and reporting packages for technically complex systems.
Strong knowledge of test planning, technical problem-solving, data review, and anomaly resolution.
Experience leading airworthiness and flight clearance efforts for developmental test, including preparation and coordination of approval packages such as MFR, AWR, and IFC.
Ability to manage complex assignments with general oversight, coordinate cross-functional test activities, and provide technical guidance within the test team.
Experience working across engineering, operations, maintenance, safety, and program teams, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with the operating rules, range constraints, and approval considerations governing unmanned aircraft or missile system test activities.
Willingness to travel up to 25% to test locations and work extended hours during active test windows.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Paid time off