Research, Development, Test & Eval (RDT&E) IPT Lead

Ideal Aerosmith

Derwood, MD 20855, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Technology

Full Time

Job Description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, innovative defense solutions in support of the warfighter, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

Ideal Aerosmith seeks an accomplished technical and programmatic leader to serve as the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Lead for advanced defense systems, including Group 3+ unmanned aircraft systems and related autonomous technologies.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the RDT&E Lead is responsible for orchestrating all engineering, test, and development efforts spanning multiple subordinate Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)—including Systems Engineering, Operational Flight Test, Prototyping, Software Systems, and Support Systems. This position ensures that design, integration, and test activities align with program requirements, technical baselines, and mission readiness objectives across the full RDT&E lifecycle. Operating as both a strategic technical leader and integrator, the RDT&E Lead drives cross-domain innovation, oversees all technical reviews, and ensures seamless transition of developmental assets into production and sustainment phases.

The RDT&E Lead is the technical linchpin for Ideal Aerosmith’s next-generation unmanned and autonomous defense systems portfolio. This position bridges innovation and execution—ensuring every prototype, system integration, and flight test directly contributes to validated, deployable capability for distributed maritime and joint-force operations.

The successful candidate will shape not just individual platforms, but the test enterprise and engineering culture that defines Ideal Aerosmith’s competitive edge in defense innovation.

Job Responsibilities

Program Leadership

Serve as overall RDT&E IPT Lead with authority over multiple subordinate IPTs.
Report directly to the Program Manager and provide expert recommendations on RDT&E planning, risk management, and technical direction.
Integrate engineering, test, and prototyping efforts into a cohesive development roadmap aligned with cost, schedule, and performance baselines.
Establish and enforce disciplined engineering and test practices consistent with MIL-STD and DoD 5000.02 frameworks.

Systems Integration & Engineering Oversight

Direct systems engineering activities including requirements traceability, architecture development, interface control, and design verification.
Chair all major design and readiness reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, PRR) to ensure configuration control and design maturity.
Oversee coordination between hardware, software, avionics, and payload teams to ensure full system integration readiness.

Test & Evaluation Management

Approve and oversee flight and ground test campaigns conducted under FAA COAs, military range protocols, and applicable DoD safety standards.
Supervise the Operational Flight Test team in developing and executing developmental, operational, and acceptance testing.
Ensure comprehensive data collection, instrumentation configuration, telemetry coverage, and analysis/reporting rigor across all test events.

Prototyping & Rapid Development

Lead iterative prototyping and design-build-test cycles to accelerate technology maturation and system-level risk reduction.
Facilitate early design validation through lab and range experimentation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and simulation testing.
Align prototype builds with configuration management, supply chain readiness, and transition-to-production strategies.

Software and Autonomy Systems

Coordinate software systems IPT activities including embedded control, autonomy, and mission software integration.
Ensure software test readiness through hardware simulation environments and structured verification plans.

Support Systems Integration

Oversee ground support equipment, launch/recovery systems, and mission support infrastructure to ensure readiness and interoperability with deployed systems.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Mentor sub-IPT leads in disciplined systems engineering and test methodologies.
Coordinate with Production, Quality Assurance, and In-Service Support IPTs to ensure RDT&E outcomes feed directly into lifecycle sustainment.
Serve as the primary technical interface with government customers, test range authorities, and operational users.

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering.
10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense RDT&E, including system integration and test leadership.
Strong understanding of DoD 5000-series acquisition and test frameworks, including DT/OT planning.
Prior military, government, or defense prime experience preferred.
Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3).

Skill Requirements

Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams or IPTs in a DoD or aviation development environment.
Experience with configuration management, technical data packages, and risk management processes.
Proven record of leading systems through prototype, integration, and flight test phases.

Physical Requirements

Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.