Rachel Rock
Senior Flight Test Engineer
A Bit About Me
With over 15 years of elite experience in aerospace flight testing, I specialize in the planning, execution, and oversight of complex developmental test programs for both manned and unmanned platforms. As a graduate of the National Test Pilot School, I bring a rigorous academic foundation to the practical challenges of integrating advanced autonomy software, sensor payloads, and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems. My career is marked by leadership roles at premier organizations like Northrop Grumman and DZYNE Technologies, where I have led cross-disciplinary teams through critical envelope expansion and system maturity assessments. Dedicated to the highest standards of safety and technical precision, I ensure that every test event—from first flight to final reporting—is executed with the meticulous detail required to field next-generation capabilities for the warfighter.
Work Experience
April 2024 - Present
Oct 2022 - Oct 2023
Sep 2021 - Oct 2022
Feb 2019 - Sep 2021
April 2015 - Feb 2019
June 2013 - April 2015
Jan 2011 - June 2013
As a Sr Staff Flight Test Engineer, I lead the planning, execution, and reporting for a wide array of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) programs. I utilize my extensive experience to refine corporate test policies and procedures while providing high-level mentorship to junior Flight Test Engineers. My role is pivotal in ensuring that complex, cross-disciplinary test teams meet the rigorous demands of both customers and national programs
Serving as the Integration and Flight Test Manager, I led a team of pilots and engineers in the Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) of small UAS and supporting infrastructure. I spearheaded the creation of standard test documentation, including Test Hazard Analysis (THA), and integrated these workflows into corporate policy. Beyond management, I executed technical FTE tasks for software, sensors, and datalinks, while empowering the team to innovate in test capability.
In my role as a Project Test Engineer supporting NAVAIR, I guided a junior flight test team through a comprehensive overhaul of ground-based C-UAS test programs. I acted as a Test Conductor (TC) and operator during active flight events, focusing on investigating anomalies to improve system reliability. My work centered on modernizing test documentation and procedures to meet stringent government standards.
As a Flight Test Engineer, I served as the Lead FTE for high-profile programs such as the Odysseus solar-powered aircraft and Centaur optionally piloted vehicle. I directed test planning for aircraft certification, autonomy software R&D, and UAS integration into the National Airspace. Additionally, I led a cross-discipline effort to upgrade the Mission Control Room (MCR), enabling the support of both local and remote flight operations across multiple programs.
Functioning as a Sr Principal Flight Test Engineer, I supported major manned and unmanned programs through various phases of DT&E, from first flight to early envelope expansion. I was responsible for managing the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and overarching test plans, coordinating closely with maintenance and Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with Mil-Specs and FARs. I also played a key role in airfield/range coordination and mission briefings for large-scale test events.
As an Operations Engineer at Edwards AFB, I supported the USAF Global Vigilance Combined Test Force in testing the RQ-4 Global Hawk. I authored test safety plans, presented briefings to USAF leadership, and served as a critical link between pilots, engineers, and range personnel during flight missions. My work ensured that safety protocols and emergency procedures were flawlessly managed in a high-stakes test environment.
Selected as a Project Engineer and Graduate Assistant at the National Test Pilot School (NTPS), I provided academic and technical support while earning my Flight Test Professional certificate. I assisted instructors as a co-pilot and Test Director, managed telemetry stations, and built flight simulators. My tenure culminated in a Master’s thesis featuring a complete test program for a ground-controlled EO/IR sensor on an optionally piloted aircraft.