Skillbridge Program Fellowship for Service Members

Collaborate with experienced engineers and acquisition professionals on flight test activities related to a variety of aircraft (AC-130J, MC-130J, OA-1K, etc), weapons (Long Range Standoff Weapon, Small Cruise Missile, etc), avionics, datalinks, software, and cybersecurity. This could include some or all of the following:

• Get the opportunity to assist in designing and executing flight test plans, analyzing data, coordinating program efforts, and ensuring safety and compliance.

• In-flight testing experience by executing your own test procedures, running your instrumentation, documenting your results, and ultimately contribute to the development of innovative solutions for protecting our service members.

• Work closely with senior engineers to design comprehensive flight test plans. Understand the objectives, constraints, and safety considerations for each test.

• Contribute to the selection of test points, maneuvers, and data collection methods.

• Participate in pre-flight briefings, ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Gain hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation systems.

• Monitor real-time data during flight tests, identifying anomalies and deviations.

Flight Test Execution:

• Strap in and experience flight tests firsthand! Observe and document aircraft behavior during various types of flight tests.

• Collaborate with flight crews, pilots, and ground control teams.

• Dive into post-flight data analysis. Use tools like MATLAB, Python, or specialized software to process flight data.

• Prepare detailed reports summarizing findings.

• Explore the intricate interplay of avionics, software, and datalinks.

• Assess communication links, sensor fusion, and software interfaces. Understand how these components impact overall mission performance.

• In the age of digital connectivity, cybersecurity is critical. Learn about potential vulnerabilities in avionics systems and the methods used to protect them.

• Assist in evaluating weapon systems. Understand their integration, deployment, and safety protocols.

• Witness live missile launches, radar tracking, and target engagement. Appreciate the complexity of integrating lethal systems into an aircraft.

• Maintain meticulous records of test procedures, results, and observations.

• Reflect on lessons learned from each test campaign. Understand the iterative nature of flight testing and continuous improvement.

• Engage with multidisciplinary teams: aerodynamics, structures, systems, and software. Learn how their contributions impact flight testing and overall program development.

• Attend technical reviews, seminars, and workshops. Network with industry professionals and absorb diverse perspectives.

• Embrace safety as a core value. Understand risk management, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies.

• Contribute to aircraft modifications and upgrades. Understand the impact of changes on flight characteristics and performance.

• Coordinate with installation teams, design engineers, and program managers ensuring timely modifications and adherence to engineering specifications.

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or technical field

• 2+ years in a test environment, aerospace duty, or related technical work

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience preparing briefings and documentation in accordance with DoD instructions

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products

• Active Secret Clearance

 

• Active Top-Secret clearance

• Master of Science degree in engineering or technical field

• Experience preparing flight test documents, including Test Plans, Methods of Test, and Flight Test Cards

• 5+ years of related test experience

• Experience serving as a Flight Test Conductor and performing on-aircraft operations

• Experience in flight operations, test operations, SOF, Air Dominance, Strike, or ISR

• Instrumentation, data management, and data analysis experience

• Experience working with or within the 96 Test Wing at Eglin AFB, FL