Test Engineer III

Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Location: Vandalia
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries. SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here . Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Test Engineer III, you will lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans for advanced aerospace and defense systems. This role requires in-depth expertise in testing methodologies and the ability to manage multiple test projects simultaneously, ensuring product compliance and performance. Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles. The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards. Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing. Responsibilities: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive test plans and procedures. Oversee system-level, sub-system, and component-level testing, including functional, performance, and environmental test. Perform detailed analysis of test data, identify root causes of issues, and provide actionable recommendations in a comprehensive test report. Identify, document, troubleshoot, and facilitate resolution of issues and anomalies. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to define test requirements and strategies. Ensure test processes and equipment meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. Generate content and lead internal/external meetings and briefs. Qualifications You Must Have: Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field. 6 years of experience in test engineering or a related role. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience. Advanced understanding of test and evaluation principles and methodologies. Proven knowledge of engineering principles and practices. Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams. Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration. Experience with planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities. Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques. Qualifications We Prefer: Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing Ability to prepare complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements. Familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances. Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e. FAA, NASA, DoD). Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards. Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques. Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Knowledge of safety risk management, risk mitigations, and industry standards. Essential Functions: Ability to work on a computer for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly. Occasional travel may be required. Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment. This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more . IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team! SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

Keywords: Sierra Nevada Corporation, Springfield , Test Engineer III, Engineering , Vandalia, Ohio