Demo

Operational Test Engineer

KBR Careers
Patuxent River, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 5/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/22/2026
Title

Operational Test Engineer

We’re seeking an experienced Operational Test Engineer to lead and execute operational test planning, conduct ground and flight test activities, and deliver timely, data-driven reporting for the Navy’s Advanced Sensor Technologies Program Office (AST PO) in either Pax River, MD, or Dallas, TX. In this role, you will support Working Integrated Product Teams (WIPTs), readiness reviews, and assessments by OPTEVFOR and DOT&E under the direction of the Operational Test Director (OTD). You’ll ensure testing is performed in accordance with the Integrated Evaluation Framework (IEF) to meet or exceed acceptability standards and the Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Program & Governance Participation: Participate in and provide subject-matter expertise to WIPT meetings, Operational Test Readiness Reviews (OTRR), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and assessments by OPTEVFOR and DOT&E as directed by the OTD. Ensure operational testing aligns with the IEF and meets acceptability criteria and TEMP objectives for cost, schedule, and performance.
  • Test Planning & Documentation: Develop accurate, detailed, and timely artifacts: test plans, data collection plans, flight test descriptions, vignettes, test procedures, briefings, run sheets, test cards, data analysis summaries, interim/final test reports, and system deficiency reports in support of AST and OPTEVFOR requirements. Coordinate with program staff, military, and contractor personnel to ensure test objectives and schedules are achieved within budget and performance thresholds identified in the TEMP.
  • Ground & Flight Test Execution: Lead ground and flight planning, test execution, asset coordination, range services, and airspace/water space coordination. Plan and execute exercises/scenarios; manage personnel coordination; conduct flight briefs/debriefs, mission replays, and analyses. Collect and analyze system data using test instrumentation, operator/test conductor logs, environmental predictions, and target/range truth data. Coordinate field work and ground test support with test ranges and remote sites; execute ground support; collect truth data; document test events. Ensure ground tests meet specific test requirements and data needs.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Provide analytical support and recommendations for data collection plans; coordinate with Flight Test Engineers (FTEs) and aircrew to ensure specific data requirements are met. Perform data reduction and preliminary statistical analysis to validate data and assess compliance against system specifications; support Critical Operational Issue (COI) resolution.

Basic Qualifications

  • Education & Experience: Must have a BS Degree in Engineering/Technical field 7 years of experience.
  • Clearance & Citizenship: TS/SSBI CLEARANCE IS REQUIRED. Must be a US Citizen.
  • Experience working in a classified security environment
  • Experience working with engineering teams to evaluate, integrate, and deliver radar and sensor technologies

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior role as Ground Test Conductor and/or Flight Test Engineer on Navy or other airborne systems
  • Experience with test range operations, airspace/water space coordination, and asset scheduling.
  • Familiarity with AST requirements and mission vignettes development.
  • Familiarity with telemetry/data acquisition systems, mission replay tools, and configuration/data management systems.
  • Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or R languages for data reduction and analysis
  • Knowledge of DoD 5000-series T&E processes, CJCSI, and NAVAIR/OPTEVFOR test practices.
  • Certifications: CTEP, INCOSE, ASEP/CSEP, PMP, Six Sigma/Design of Experiments (DOE).
  • Effective oral and written communication skills. Effective organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to work with integrated teams comprised of military, civilian, and contractor personnel.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
  • Experience developing and using tools and statistical methodologies to analyze data

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 hours/week

Travel: 15%

Compensation: $117,000-$147,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation: KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits : KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

R2119778

Salary : $117,000 - $147,000

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