R&D Chief Engineer (ATAC)

Company: Pushing Past Possible
Location: Fort Worth
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

W ho We Are Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. This role is in Textron System’s Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area. Visit TextronSystems.com & Lycoming.com to read more about who we are and the products we make! About ATAC Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), a division of Textron Systems, provides tactical flight training and adversary services. Textron’s extensive global reach makes for an incomparable training resource, not only for the U.S. military but also for foreign militaries across the globe. ATAC currently provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots and is actively pursuing many foreign programs as well. ATAC operates simultaneously across five Navy/Marine Corps sites and three Air Force sites spanning across two continents and comprises the world’s largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization. ATAC proudly provides the highest quality live training to Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups, and was also the first civilian organization authorized to train the Navy’s TOPGUN pilots and the USAF’s F-22 Raptor pilots. Summary ATAC’s Research & Development Aircraft Chief Engineer will be responsible for “cradle to grave” management, research, development, design, integration, verification and validation of new system installations onto current platforms within the inventory. Systems include, but are not limited to, electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) sensors, electronic warfare (EW) equipment, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, advanced training missiles integration, and helmet mounted cueing systems (HMCS). This position will report to the Director of Research & Development and will also support the Program Managers directly responsible for upgrades to ATAC’s fleet of aircraft as required by existing customers. Job Responsibilities · Research existing aircraft avionics, sensors, and systems that can cost-effectively be integrated onto ATACs fleet of aircraft in order to develop winning technical solutions for future proposals. · Draft Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to industry in order to gain firm pricing and schedule of potential aircraft avionics, sensors, and systems. · Draft and release Statements of Work (SOWs) that will dovetail ATAC’s mission requirements with vendor capabilities. · Develop and manage systems-level requirements for aircraft avionics, sensors, and systems that meet the customer’s needs and can be used for effective subcontracting. · Review and assess engineering designs, drawings, specifications and products. · Apply methodical processes and documentation to resolve risks and issues. · Assist the Director of R&D in evaluating potential aircraft acquisitions or modernization upgrades that will satisfy current and future U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and foreign military Contracted Air Services (CAS) requirements. · Assist the Capture Manager with proposal development, including developing strategy, advocating technical solutions, writing content and editing the work of others. · Assist aircraft Program Managers with requirements derivation, management, verification and validation efforts. · Assist aircraft Program Managers with Test & Evaluation planning and execution. · Coordinate, draft and release test reports to US Government entities. · Interface with subcontractor engineers to ensure that procured aircraft avionics, sensors, and systems are properly being designed, integrated, and installed onto ATAC aircraft. Qualifications · Bachelor’s Degree in relevant Engineering field (required) · 10 years of industry and government experience in fighter aircraft mission and radar systems integration, test and evaluation (required) · Former military service (required) · Active Secret clearance (required) · Familiarity with current military weapon systems and their utilization · Experience with aircraft ground and flight test instrumentation · Working knowledge of systems integration labs and their utilization in various aircraft development programs · Ability to attain and maintain Special Access Program clearance requirements · Defense Acquisition University coursework in Test & Evaluation, Systems Engineering, Logistics, Acquisition, Risk Management, and/or Intellectual Property & Data Rights Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required · Accountability for achieving challenging goals · Able to work independently and in groups to achieve positive results · Mature and diplomatic approach to relationships · Initiative to take concepts from first idea to mature proposal offerings · Professional curiosity and a mindset of continual learning · Adaptable to change in a fast-paced and dynamic aviation environment · Experience with integrating AESA Radars onto 3 rd /4 th generation fighter aircraft · Experience with system-level requirements generation/management on fighter aircraft · Experience reporting verification/validation test results to program management · Experience with test & evaluation of installed systems on fighter aircraft · Familiarity with various design tools (AutoCAD, Unigraphics, etc.) and electrical engineering design approaches How We Care At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples! - Flexible Work Schedules - Education Assistance - Career Development & Training Opportunities - Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement) - Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding - Paid Parental Leave Are you a Military Veteran? Textron's products and services are trusted everyday by those who protect our country. We are dedicated to hiring these Veterans and aim to translate their skills to make an impact on our Company.

Keywords: Pushing Past Possible, Keller , R&D Chief Engineer (ATAC), Engineering , Fort Worth, Texas