FAA Systems / Test Engineer

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Voice Switch and Recorder (VS&R) Program Office is modernizing Air Traffic Control (ATC) Voice Communication Systems (VCSs) and legal recording systems that perform critical, high availability ATC communications within the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA is acquiring modern Internet Protocol Voice Communications Systems (IP-VCSs), which includes review of requirements, procurement, verification, validation, testing, implementation, deployment and acceptance of new IP-VCSs into the NAS. The VS&R Program Office also manages full life cycle sustainment and logistics activities for existing operational ATC VCSs that are currently in use throughout the NAS.

The Test Engineer will provide a combination of remote and hands-on test engineering support, including Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) witnessing at ATC system vendor locations in MD, DC and VA within the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In order to accelerate the modernization of ATC voice communications from Analog & TDM to Internet Protocol (IP) technology, the FAA must verify, validate, test and safely deploy hundreds of IP-VCSs and thousands of Air-to-Ground Protocol Converters (APCs) over the next 3-4 years.

In support of the FAA, the Test Engineer will:

• Interpret Complex System Requirements: Analyze and understand complex system requirements and interfaces to review, develop and witness test procedures that align with project objectives and deliverables.
• Develop Test Plans, Execute and/or Witness Testing: Create comprehensive test plans and verification procedures that outline the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for testing activities. Execute these plans or witness vendor test execution to ensure thorough testing coverage.
• Meticulously log test results, and compile detailed reports on findings to inform clients, vendors and stakeholders.
• Verify Requirements: Ensure that all system requirements are met through rigorous and comprehensive testing processes, identifying any discrepancies or areas for improvement.
• Review Vendor Products: Evaluate vendor products and test cases to ensure compliance with FAA standards and requirements, providing constructive feedback to enhance product quality.
• Witness Vendor Testing: Observe and document test events executed by product vendors at Vendor/Factory locations.
• Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with internal teams and stakeholders to communicate testing results clearly and effectively, facilitating informed decision-making.

The candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree in a technical, engineering, or similar discipline, plus 5-16 years of relevant hands-on system testing experience.

The candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Experience supporting formal testing and system verification processes such as Factory Acceptance Tests, Production Acceptance Tests, and Environmental Tests.
• Expertise in following detailed test procedures and ensuring tests are executed according to approved methods.
• Ability to evaluate and validate proposed modifications to test procedures for technical accuracy and alignment with verification requirements.
• Expertise in reviewing test procedures for completeness, accuracy, logical sequence, traceability, and effectiveness of the verification approach.
• Strong understanding of requirements-based testing and the ability to assess if test procedure steps effectively demonstrate system compliance with associated requirements.
• Skill in identifying test procedure gaps, ambiguities, inconsistencies, or weak verification methods, and recommending enhancements.
• Aptitude to understand complex systems, interfaces, hardware/software interactions, and engineering documentation.
• Ability to produce clear and professional test logs that summarize test activities, observations, issues, anomalies, deviations, and overall test status.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage professionally with vendors, engineers, and program staff.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify issues and develop effective solutions during testing phases.
• Testing Methodologies: Experience with various testing methodologies, including development and operational testing.
• Attention to Detail and Time Management: Strong attention to detail and effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing requirements and environments, maintaining flexibility and resilience in dynamic project settings.
• Commitment to Learning: Dedication to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to enhance testing practices.

The candidate should possess some of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. While the experiences listed below are not required, possessing them would make a candidate stand out and bring added value to our team: 

• Knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Knowledge of the FAA National Airspace System (NAS)
• Proficient with requirements management, defect tracking, or test management tools such DOORS, Codebeamer, Jama, etc. is a plus.
• Linux Operating Systems: Familiarity with Linux environments, including the ability to navigate, configure, and troubleshoot within the operating system.
• Experience with Linux-based tools and scripts can enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Network Experience: Understanding of OSI networking principles, including configuration, and troubleshooting of network devices.
• Experience with network protocols and the ability to test network-related functionalities will be beneficial.
• Strong logic/reasoning skills (e.g., can understand/analyze requirements, and identify logical gaps).
• Experience conducting and participating in client/vendor technical interchange meetings (TIMs).

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

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At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.