Test & Analysis Engineer (PL)

Job Title: Test Analysis Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB - TN

Position Summary

The Analysis Engineer provides technical test and evaluation (T&E) analysis support to the Aeropropulsion Flight, Aerothermal Flight, and Integrated Developmental Test Flight (IDTF) within the 715th Test Squadron at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). The primary focus is high-quality data analysis and technical evaluation in support of testing conducted in the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) and the Arc Jet facilities (H1, H2, and H3).

This position directly contributes to the development, evaluation, and maturation of hypersonic systems and other advanced aerospace technologies. Support extends enterprise-wide across ground testing disciplines (aeropropulsion, aerothermal, aerodynamics, lethality, weather effects, and related areas) as well as selected flight-test activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform detailed test data reduction, analysis, uncertainty quantification, and interpretation for APTU and Arc Jet (H1/H2/H3) test programs.
• Support test planning activities including requirements definition, test matrix development, measures of performance, and preparation of technical and safety review packages.
• Analyze aeropropulsion performance, aerothermal environments, Thermal Protection System (TPS) response/ablation, fluid-thermal-structural interaction (FTSI), and related phenomena.
• Generate clear, accurate technical products (plots, reports, briefings, and data packages) that support customer decision-making and program reviews.
• Provide analytical support to IDTF efforts spanning ground and flight testing across multiple technical domains.
• Collaborate with government test engineers, facility operators, instrumentation personnel, and other contractors to resolve anomalies and improve test outcomes.
• Maintain and improve analysis tools, scripts, and processes to increase efficiency and technical rigor.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings, readiness reviews, and post-test evaluations as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to work with complex experimental data sets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-organization test environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Technical Knowledge

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering or physical science discipline.
• Hands-on experience with ground-test data analysis in hypersonic, aerothermal, or propulsion test facilities.
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Scientific Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) for data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization.
• Working knowledge of hypersonic aerodynamics, high-enthalpy flow, heat transfer, TPS materials/ablation, or propulsion system performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with AEDC facilities (APTU, Arc Jets) or equivalent high-speed/high-enthalpy test capabilities.
• Experience supporting T&E processes, including test planning, safety packages, and formal technical reviews.
• Knowledge of additional test domains relevant to IDTF (aerodynamics, lethality, weather effects, etc.) is desirable.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position at Arnold Air Force Base, TN. The role involves working in a secure government test complex alongside Air Force, contractor, and industry personnel. Occasional support of off-nominal or extended test schedules may be required. Position will be filled by one of the TMAS 3 partners, Canvas-Inc. or Torch Technologies.