Senior Operations Engineer

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

. Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeEdwards • California • United StatesSenior💰 $100,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing system requirements, risk assessment, and integration strategies for aircraft operations. Proficient in flight test planning, technical leadership, and mentoring within aerospace engineering environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Flight Test PlanningRisk Management PracticesGulfstream Aircraft ExperienceLIDAR Systems IntegrationTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

System Requirements ManagementFlight Operations SupportAutonomous Aircraft TechnologiesConfiguration ManagementHazard DocumentationFMEATest Procedure AnalysisScientific Instrument IntegrationAirworthiness CertificationMission Execution

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationProblem SolvingCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM

Industry Keywords

NASAAirborne Science PayloadsResearch MissionsAircraft ModificationsFlight Safety Processes

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and manage system requirements, risk, and integration strategies
Support aircraft operations, modifications, maintenance planning, and troubleshooting
Serve as Operations Engineer for AFRC manned and unmanned projects
Develop autonomous aircraft technologies and flight vehicle integration procedures across NASA and partner organizations
Maintain aircraft configuration management, including manuals, directives, TCTOs, Airworthiness Directives, and Maintenance Directives
Prepare and manage Certificates of Authorization (COAs)
Lead and support flight test planning, including test card development
Participate in and lead Operations, Mission Rule, and Systems Safety Working Groups
Develop procedures for assembly, installation, and integration of scientific instruments into NASA aircraft
Analyze project objectives, develop execution plans, and support safety reviews, including hazard documentation, FMEA, and mitigation planning
Review project instructions, confirm requirements and objectives, and recommend solutions to technical issues
Conduct and oversee system and component testing and research studies
Record and analyze test procedures, results, and data, and provide recommendations
Serve as technical lead and mentor for engineering teams and junior engineers
Drive research and development initiatives supporting NASA aerospace advancements
Lead Tech Briefs, risk assessments, and strategic planning for flight test programs
Represent the Operations Engineering Branch during pre-mission deployments
Mentor engineers in technical specialties, systems engineering, and project management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field
At least 5 years of experience supporting flight test activities on Gulfstream aircraft
Ability to work onsite daily at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center
Availability to work a 9/80 schedule, with alternating Fridays off and core hours generally between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Ability to travel occasionally, both locally and longer distance, by car or commercial air
Experience supporting airborne science payloads, research missions, or aircraft modification efforts
Experience with LIDAR systems, optical payloads, sensor integration, or related airborne instrumentation
Experience supporting Gulfstream platforms or comparable research aircraft fleets
Experience with flight test planning, test card development, mission execution, and flight operations
Experience with risk management practices, airworthiness certification requirements, and flight safety processes

Benefits

Comp & perks

Healthcare benefits for employees and dependents
Paid leave
Retirement plans
Insurance programs
Education and training assistance
Employee ownership