Make a Real Difference - At Axient, we are at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and engaged with the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) rigorous operational and developmental flight, ground and cyber testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies.  Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists and technicians supporting the research, development, testing and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage and destroy adversary missiles. 

Your typical day – Our MDA analysts and engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities at Redstone Arsenal.  Redstone is located in Huntsville, Alabama, otherwise known as “Rocket City.”  Huntsville is the hub of missile and space research and development.  You will collaborate with other missile defense experts – military, government civilians, and contractors from Axient and other companies.  Our team of experts helps the Government manage planning, development and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems. 

• The Test Engineer will directly support the Missile Defense Agency Directorate for Ground Test (MDA/DTG) government Mission Director (MD), Mission Test Director (MTD) or Systems Mission Manager (SMM) in all aspects of Missile Defense System (MDS) ground test planning and execution.
• These all-encompassing test event activities include, but are not limited to Detailed Test Event Planning, MDA Element/Stakeholder Coordination, Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT), Test System Architecture Development, Element Pre-Test Coordination, Executive Level Brief Development, Risk Assessment/Mitigation, Test Event Documentation Development, Test Event Execution, System Post Flight Reconstruction, System Pre-Mission Test, and Post Test Lessons Learned compilation. 
• Test Events are typically classified at DoD secret or higher, and involve Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) laboratories and operational MDS assets located at multiple geographic sites worldwide. 
• Responsibilities range from coordinating and leading weekly test event planning meetings and technical work involved with diverse network and test architecture configurations, to developing high-level briefings / presentations to senior leaders, Combatant Command (CCMD) teams, international allies, event visitors, participants, and observers. 
• The candidate will develop, update and maintain the Ground Test Event Architecture and Approved Test Configuration (ATC) and be responsible for developing or assisting in development of the following test documentation (among others); Test Master Schedule, Detailed Test Plan, Test Procedures, OPTASKLINK and the final Test Event Report. 
• The candidate will identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, coordinate strategy implementation, write, prepare and present briefings, event documentation, reports, analyses and other technical communications.
• They may lead weekly status meetings on behalf of the MD/MTD/SMM and coordinate with MDA Test Elements for inputs. 
• The candidate will provide inputs for multiple briefings, to include, the weekly GT status brief and Executive/Senior Leader level briefs for the mission event leads. 
• The candidate could also manage the Configuration Change Board (CCB) process on behalf of the government leads, assist test Elements in developing Change Requests, and supervise the approval process for requested changes to the test. 
• Finally, the candidate will review major ground test related documents for technical accuracy on behalf of the MD/MTD/SMM.

Required Skills and Experience: 

• BS degree in an engineering field and at least 7 years of relevant experience
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a DoD Secret security clearance
• Education and/or work experience must demonstrate the ability to learn and understand the operations of the highly complex Missile Defense System (MDS), coordinate the activities of multiple diverse MDS elements and interact in a positive manner on a daily basis with the customer.
• Capable of providing test engineering support on systems, system elements, interfacing systems, components, devices and/or processes for developmental and operational weapon system programs during developmental and operational test events, including flight, HWIL, and operational environments.
• Capable of working as a team member to solve engineering problems. Possesses general technical and theoretical knowledge of the DoD principles of developmental and operational testing and the verification and validation activities of the engineering “V”, system test and integration, strategic planning, and/or process improvements.
• Works as a member of team to solve test planning, integration, execution, and analysis problems. Has a basic knowledge of MDS components and system-level topics.
• Able to coordinate and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of MDA elements and non-MDA stakeholders to integrate capabilities and requirements into increasingly complex test event configurations
• Able to organize and oversee multiple, concurrent team activities featuring dynamic requirements, aggressive schedules, and multiple stakeholder interfaces to resolve test event issues and challenges
• Must be a self-starter, able to multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate the ability to work with diverse groups and focus their efforts to achieve a common goal
• Display excellent interpersonal, written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to perform activities and team coordination to ensure all ground test event requirements and objectives are met
• Ability to travel both domestic and internationally

Highly Desirable Skills and Experience:

• At least three years of direct experience with MDA organization and MDS design, performance and testing
• Experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) organization and DoD testing