Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer

Posted today

fedwritersTampa (FL)

Validation Engineers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SENIORITY

Lead

Apply

About the role

Overview: Join our team as a Senior Test & Evaluation Engineer and support a Department of Defense customer by leading lab operations for a special operations emerging technologies lab. You will design and run hands-on test events for airborne ISR, autonomy, AI/ML, and communication systems, ensure every technology is judged on objective, data-driven results. FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment. Position is contingent upon contract award Work Schedule and Location:

On-Site: This full-time on-site position will work Monday through Friday, standard business hours at MacDill AFB and nearby Tampa, FL offices. Travel to field and flight test events (up to five major evaluations per year).

Responsibilities: Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of test engineers. Direct lab operations: resources, equipment scheduling, maintenance, and procurement. Develop test strategies, plans, and procedures for airborne ISR, strike, and communication systems. Serve as lead technical authority on test methods for autonomy, AI/ML, and data fusion engines. Work directly with program leadership and government counterparts to define test requirements. Analyze test data, verify performance against requirements, and direct troubleshooting. Deliver formal test reports and executive briefings with results, risks, and recommendations. QualificationsRequired: Active DoD Top Secret security clearance Minimum 10 years of test and evaluation experience on DoD/SOF airborne systems Expertise developing test plans, procedures, and reports for complex electronics and software systems In-depth knowledge of airborne ISR sensors, tactical data links, and related mission systems Proficiency with test and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Keysight, Wireshark) Desired: Test and evaluation of special operations fixed-wing and unmanned airborne systems Digital engineering and automated testing environments Experience with government rapid-innovation cells, SOF common mission architectures, and government autonomy suites

Why Join: Our TeamAt FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including: Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance Life Insurance 401(k) Plan Holiday Pay Paid Time Off FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. Pay RangeNegotiable

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.