Description
The DarkStar Group is seeking a Test Engineer with a TS/SCI Poly clearance (applicable to this customer) to join one of our top projects in Annapolis Junction, MD. Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.
THE ROLE

The Software Engineer develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g., processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems) based upon documented requirements. Works individually or as part of a team. Reviews and tests software components for adherence to the design requirements and documents test results. Resolves software problem reports. Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development environment. Provides specific input to the software components of system design to include hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS)/Government Off-the-shelf (GOTS) in place of new development, and requirements analysis and synthesis from system level to individual software components.

Required Skills

• Five (5) years experience as a TE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity is required.
• Bachelors degree in Math, Science, Engineering, Statistics, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional TE experience may be substituted for a bachelors degree.

Desired Skills (Optional)

• Assist with any or all of the Level 1 tasks as constrained by technical training and previous testing experience
• Conduct research into and apply knowledge of Government test and evaluation concepts and related engineering, acquisition, and operations activities as needed to support the T&E activities
• Plan and Execute Performance Analysis
• Review planned acquisition approaches to support T&E schedule alignment with decision maker needs for T&E support
• Analyze performance risk areas to focus T&E planning
• Specify, validate, and adapt Modeling and Simulation for T&E use
• Apply Statistical Analysis of variations in performance behavior to characterize confidence in performance estimates
• Select, develop, & use analysis tools
• Execute the evaluation plan on data collected by the Testing Tasks
• Plan and Execute Performance Data Collection
• Plan program and event level testing for collection of data required for analysis and to synch T&E events with supported decision points
• Establish and employ Data & Configuration Management capabilities
• Support Data Authentication group functions; and comply with program Discrepancy Reporting criteria and processes (U) Assess operational and system performance requirements for testability and criticality to frame and prioritize T&E objectives and enable evaluation planning
• Coordinate with program Systems Engineering (SE) and review T&E-related SE information to leverage functional analysis, system descriptions, parameter selection and dependencies, Modeling and Simulation, and initial performance risk assessments to inform evaluation planning
• Assess operational environments and priorities for evaluation attention and scenario selection, and to coordinate user participation in T&E
• Plan program and event level risk-tailored performance estimation and analysis of system and operational Effectiveness and Suitability metrics & conditions; levels of T&E include inspection, demonstration, paper analysis, survey, simulation, and physical test
• Design surveys for evaluation of Subject Matter Expert (SME) input and user assessments of performance
• Participate in the T&E Working-level Integrated Product Team (WIPT) and/or Integrated Test Team for coordination of evaluation plans
• Produce Evaluation Plans (metric framework, scenarios/threads, timelines, requirements/T&E cross-walk), Analysis Plans, Data Requirements, Risk Assessments, Evaluation Reports, Status reports; provide input to Government T&E products (e.g., Technology Readiness Assessments, Test & Evaluation Strategy, Test & Evaluation Master Plan, T&E Plans & Procedures and Test Readiness Reports)
• Design data sampling schemes to optimize the information/resource balance and to control testing uncertainties
• Select, coordinate, and calibrate Instrumentation, collection and data management tools, targets, & facilities
• Ensure test readiness including training of test event participants re conduct of the event; equipment readiness, and security, legal, and privacy compliance arrangements
• Participate in T&E WIPT and/or Integrated Test Team for coordination of data collection plans
• Execute Testing and Data Collection per plan
• Produce associated Test Plans, Procedures, and Reports/Briefings, Data Management Plan
• Define and provide technical direction and guidance for the Level 1 tasks to the Level 0 and Level 1 TEs assigned to the task
• Recommend draft plans and reports from the Level 1 tasks for approval by the task leader
• Work directly with the Government sponsor to coordinate task implementation
• Maintain knowledge of current and evolving agency, national, and international standards applicable to the system development of interest

About The DarkStar Group

Our Company

The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you. 

Our Benefits

The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:

• very strong salaries;
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and all dependents;
• the ability to get increased salary if you don't need medical/dental/vision;
• 100% company-paid disability and life insurance benefits;
• a generously-funded HSA;
• an 8% 401(k) contribution; 
• 31 days of PTO/holidays to start (more with tenure);
• the ability to flex time across pay periods without using your PTO;
• a generous training budget;
• $25,000 employee referral bonuses;
• business development / growth incentives; and
• top notch company swag.

** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.