EO/IR Systems Engineer

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced EO/IR Systems Engineer to serve as the Test Manager for the U.S. Army C5ISR Center Javelin Seeker effort. The successful candidate will provide programmatic Test and Evaluation (T&E) oversight in support of component-level verification, qualification, and contractor-executed test activities across the full acquisition life cycle and throughout the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. In this role, the candidate will ensure that test planning, readiness, execution, and reporting are aligned with system requirements, program risk, and Army acquisition decision needs to achieve full component qualification.

The candidate will serve as a technical advisor to government and industry stakeholders, supporting T&E strategy, review of contractor-developed test documentation, readiness assessments, evaluation of test results, and independent technical assessments of system progress and qualification status. The Test Manager will also lead multi-agency test synchronization in coordination with Army stakeholders and test organizations in support of critical acquisition decision milestones. This role requires a strong systems engineering foundation and prior experience supporting acquisition-level test and qualification for complex defense systems, including EO/IR systems, seekers, sensors, or other electro-optical payloads.

Responsibilities

The System Engineer will serve as Test Manager for the C5ISR Center Javelin Seeker effort, with duties including:

• Author, update, and staff the component Test and Evaluation (T&E) strategy and test plans in alignment with System Specifications, the Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix (RVTM), and applicable Army regulations to support EMD activities and component qualification.
• Lead Test and Evaluation Working Integrated Product Teams (T&E WIPTs) and chair Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs); participate in System Functional Reviews (SFRs), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), and technical interchange meetings.
• Guide test activities in accordance with the program Systems Engineering Plan (SEP); manage the RVTM to ensure rigorous, end-to-end verification and formal requirements closure.
• Ensure traceability between system requirements, verification methods, qualification events, and test results.
• Establish specialized sub-working groups as required, deconflict technical issues, enable cross-IPT data sharing, and elevate unresolved risks to the Systems Engineering Integration Team (SEIT).
• Manage the T&E schedule within the project Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and coordinate range facilities, assets, and test resources with the Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), Redstone Test Center (RTC), White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and laboratory stakeholders.
• Provide systems and test engineering oversight of contractor-performed test events; evaluate T&E-related contract data requirements including test strategies, verification plans, qualification procedures, safety documentation, and test reports for technical rigor and contractual compliance.
• Witness, or designate project office personnel to witness, on-site and laboratory testing; monitor test data collection to support independent system evaluations.
• Support independent technical assessment of test adequacy, qualification status, system performance, and program risk.
• Lead technical investigations for test anomalies, root cause analyses, corrective action plans, and regression or retest activities.
• Identify, monitor, and track T&E programmatic risks and associated mitigation plans.
• Synthesize complex test data and risk assessments into executive-level technical briefings, system assessment reports, and suitability recommendations to inform project leadership, PM leadership, and Milestone Decision Authorities (MDAs).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, or Systems Engineering, or a related technical STEM discipline; equivalent military experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of progressive systems engineering and Test and Evaluation (T&E) experience supporting defense acquisition programs.
• Demonstrated experience supporting acquisition-level qualification, verification, and T&E activities across the full acquisition life cycle.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Army T&E processes, including coordination with ATEC, RTC, and other government test stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex T&E efforts in support of Government program objectives with limited day-to-day direction.
• Experience developing, reviewing, or assessing test plans, procedures, readiness documentation, and test reports for complex defense systems.
• Experience supporting the development, integration, qualification, or test and evaluation of EO/IR systems, seekers, sensors, or other complex electro-optical payloads.
• Strong technical briefing, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting missile seeker, optical/IR sensor, or guidance system test and evaluation across laboratory, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), and flight test environments.
• Prior experience directly supporting the Javelin Weapon System, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM), or PEO Missiles and Space programs.
• Hands-on proficiency with data analysis and reduction toolsets such as MATLAB, Python, or specialized telemetry processing software.
• DAWIA Practitioner or equivalent certification in Test and Evaluation or Engineering, or PMP certification.

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this role is $140,000- $190,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.