DARPA Flight Test IPT Lead Engineer SETA

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community.   

Amentum is currently seeking talented, enthusiastic, and dynamic individuals to support DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced research and development programs to the U.S. military in multiple areas, including flight test planning and execution.

This is a full-time position based in Arlington, VA with the opportunity for remote work. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and the research and development communities across industry, academia, and the Government.
• Provide technical leadership in flight test planning and execution.
• Provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) for flight testing of aircraft flying qualities and performance, stability, and control.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure requirements are met and proper documentation is prepared, acting as the flight test engineering lead.
• Understand Test Director (TD) and Test Conductor (TC) roles and responsibilities, and interact with government and performer TD and TC to ensure safe and productive flight test planning and execution.
• Provide and supervise flight test data analysis.
• Lead an Integrated Product Team (IPT) responsible for successfully planning and executing aircraft flight testing, including ensuring safety and data capture
• Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Support the identifying and implementing of new program concepts.
• Support testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with teammates, customers and stakeholders.
• Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives.
• Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews.
• Author program briefings and technical reports.
• Provide program management and acquisition support.
• Foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and a minimum of 12 years of experience.
• Prior experience in tactical aircraft flight test planning and execution.
• Prior experience as a flight test engineer in experimental, developmental, or operational test campaigns.
• Prior experience acting as a Test Director (TD) or Test Conductor (TC)
• Demonstrated experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience.
• Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment, while working effectively with a team.
• Familiarity with classical systems engineering processes and procedures. 
• Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues. 
• Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team. 
• Active US Government Secret Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Government Secret Clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD.
• Test Pilot School graduate.
• Military and/or Government program support experience.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues.
• Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

       

Compensation Details:

$175K-$225K

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

06/15/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.