Specialist, Field Flight Test Engineer
Ashburn, Virginia
Job ID 30789L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Specialist, Field Flight Test Engineering
Job Code: 30789
Job Location: Ashburn, VA
Job Description:
L3Harris Agile Development Group is seeking a Field Service Representative (FSR) to join our Test and Evaluation team supporting our family of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The FSR plays a critical hands-on role in both developmental flight test events and end-user integration, testing, and training events. Operating across lab and field environments, the FSR is the primary interface between engineering teams and end-users to ensure mission success.
This is a mission-focused, highly technical position requiring excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. The role includes system preparation, troubleshooting, maintenance, customer support, and training. The position requires up to 50% travel (Continental United States (CONUS) with potential for occasional Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS)) and the ability to work independently or as part of a dynamic team under varying environmental conditions.
Essential Functions:
- Support developmental flight testing of autonomous unmanned aircraft and serve as a primary contributor to test event success.
- Perform system assembly, inspection, setup/configuration, preflight checkouts, and all maintenance actions to ensure system readiness.
- Set up, configure, operate, and troubleshoot ground control stations, antenna systems, and test support equipment, including software/firmware updates and configuration management.
- Monitor telemetry displays and execute procedures during test missions; participate in and contribute to test briefings and debriefings.
- Provide first-level customer support for end-users via remote and on-site methods, including issue resolution, escalation to engineering, and post-event follow-up.
- Train end-users in the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of UAS, associated user interfaces, and proprietary software; ensure user proficiency and understanding.
- Prepare, configure, test, and ship equipment in advance of test events; coordinate field logistics and ensure readiness for deployment.
- Serve as the face of L3Harris to customers, end-users, and test range personnel; maintain professional and effective relationships in all interactions.
- Work collaboratively with engineering teams to provide critical feedback from lab and field experiences and participate in product development and engineering meetings.
- Prioritize and manage tasks across multiple programs, support logistics, and coordinate field operations as needed.
- Use basic computer networking and ability to read and understand schematic diagrams.
- Work ndependently in the field and/or as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; experience briefing and debriefing technical information to diverse groups.
- Work 12+ hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on short notice as operational demands require.
- Travel up to 50% CONUS with the potential for OCONUS travel (~1 week/year).
- Active US DOD TOP SECRET security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship. Onboarding is contingent upon clearance received/approved.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted or 100 lbs. as part of a two-person team.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience OR Graduate Degree with a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience OR High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
- Active US DOD TOP SECRET or TS/SCI security clearance. Onboarding is contingent upon clearance received/approved.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience supporting logistics and coordination for field operations.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in role requiring hands-on mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills, including networking fundamentals.
- Experience with software configuration management, firmware updates, file management, and relevant software tools (e.g., Notepad++, PuTTY, WinSCP, FileZilla, MobaXterm, Wireshark, Microsoft Office).
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks across multiple projects and programs.
- Experience with UAS operations, aviation fundamentals, mission planning, and test range operations.
- Experience in a high-tempo, high-consequence environment.
- Demonstrated ability to train and support end-users in complex system operation and maintenance.
- Experience generating work summary and discrepancy reports.
- Practical experience monitoring telemetry data and supporting operational or developmental test events.
- Experience collaborating with engineering teams to provide feedback and suggest improvements for system effectiveness.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with customers and end-users; ability to act as a professional representative of the company.
- Creative problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative solutions to field issues.
- OSHA requirements and ESD best practices familiarity.
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In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the salary range for this role is $75,000 - $139,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits including: health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
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