Test Engineer

Applied Research Solutions has an exciting new opportunity providing Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) supporting the US Space Force mission to defend National Security Interests in Space as a Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Electro-Optical Systems Test Engineer supporting the Optical Systems Branch of the US Space Force, Space Systems Command, Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Acquisition Delta (USSF SSC/SZBG).

SDA is foundational to Protecting and Defending US Space Systems that provide space-based Intelligence, Early Warning, Communications and Global Positioning services that sustain our way of life, support our national economy, and act as force multipliers in times of conflict. Applied Research Solutions is looking for high-performing, passionate people ready to make a difference by joining our existing team of dedicated professionals on the SDA Acquisition Team! The Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Acquisition Delta (USSF SSC/SZB) executes system acquisition and modernization for ground- and space-based SDA sensors and command and control (C2) systems. Activities include acquisition program management, system, and subsystem engineering, maintenance and supply support, and fielding.

Applied Research Solutions provides support to the Government in five areas: Product Support, Sustainment Engineering & Sustainment Management, Technical Management, Technical User Interface, and System Design, Engineering, and Integration.  These tasks are executed laterally with USSF SSC/SZG depot and development contractors and with SDA stakeholders.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. 

Responsibilities:

An A&AS contractor is a knowledgeable and trusted advisor to the Government Program Office. As an SDA Electro-Optical Systems Test Engineer, you will perform a wide range of engineering tasks, research, studies, and analysis that provide engineering, technical, and managerial direction for Test Planning, Test Development, and Test Execution and assist the Government to oversee Test Planning, Test Development and Test Execution by the Government’s prime contractors.  You will also support coordination and execution of inter-agency relationships required for testing.  Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide advice as the program’s primary expert in Test & Evaluation (T&E)
• Collaborate with the Government program team, contractors and Government test organizations to develop test strategies/plans/reports/briefings, and participate in test execution, verification or analysis
• Evaluate contractor test plans and provide detailed feedback to improve them
• Evaluate the configuration, capability, and operational relevance of test environments
• Oversee contractor testing (CT), Government and Contractor Developmental Testing and Evaluation (DT&E) and Government Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E)
• Devise new and innovative approaches to problems encountered during testing
• Ensure the proper documentation of test outcomes and performance
• Evaluate testing results and providing high-quality analysis and recommendations to Government program and engineering leadership
• Select and apply engineering techniques and procedures to analyze and evaluate specific problem, data, or other features of the work which are broad in scope and complexity
• Make recommendations on test outcomes and being prepared to back up those recommendations with facts at Deficiency Review Boards as a member of the Joint Reliability and Maintainability Evaluation Team, and other forums
• Prepare responses to Test & Evaluation questions from SSC leadership
• Prepare Test & Evaluation inputs for Government presentations and reports
• Develop, plan, and implement, strategies; develop analysis; analyze and evaluate test results for complex system and subsystem test and evaluation activities; perform validation of systems, including the development of criteria and procedures
• Support the development of system test plans in accordance with project technical, schedule, and cost constraints, support site and system test activities with contractor and Program Office personnel
• Coordinate and lead resolution of system issues and deficiencies with prime contractors, depot contractors other support contractors; monitor contractor performance during Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E), fielding, Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E), and Operational Acceptance (OA)
• Provide relevant input to acquisition planning activities, upgrades and modifications, and studies and interface with stakeholders, contractor personnel, and product integrators to include the Program Manager and Program Executive Officer through the Mission-Oriented Test Readiness Certification (MOTRC)
• Develop and maintain relationships with DoD, Air Force, Space Force, and Intelligence Community stakeholders throughout the Space Domain Awareness enterprise
• Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations upon government direction
• Other duties as required/requested by the Government and within the scope of the S3 contract

Qualifications: 

Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Clearance: Active Secret clearance

Education:  Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Electrical Engineering (RF), or a related discipline

Years of Experience:  4 years of experience as a Test Engineer or Test Manager

Other Qualifications: 

• Defense Acquisition University (DAU), Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Foundational certification or equivalent certification in Test and Evaluation, or Engineering
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of the testing discipline and comprehensive understanding and ability to apply associated standards, procedures, and practices
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment developing test strategies/plans/reports/briefings, participation in test execution, verification, and analysis
• Experience supporting DoD Developmental T&E as test engineer/manager on DoD acquisition programs, either as Government or industry participant
• Planned and executed System Integration and Systems Engineering of complex Space/Ground systems for the DoD, government agencies, or commercial programs
• Ability to define, develop, maintain, and execute system test plans and overarching test and evaluation strategy documents, including Test and Evaluation Strategy (TES), Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), System Integration Test Plan (SITP), Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM), and Requirement Verification Files (RVFs)

Preferred Qualifications:

Clearance:  Current Top Secret/SCI

Certifications: Defense Acquisition University (DAU), Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Practitioner certification or equivalent certification in Test and Evaluation, or Engineering

Years of Experience:  8 years of experience as a Test Engineer or Test Manager

Other Qualifications:  

• Working Systems Engineering, Test & Evaluation, and Integration on space-related (space, ground, software, hardware system) Major Defense Acquisition Programs
• Knowledge of Ground-Based Electro-Optical systems
• Knowledge of the Space Surveillance Network (SSN)
• Knowledge of Command and Control Systems
• Knowledge of Missile Warning operations
• Knowledge of Cross Domain Solutions
• Knowledge of software testing

The annual salary range: $133k - $142k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills. 

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.