Stephen M. Santana
Sr. Test Engineer
Fort Walton Beach,Florida
Summary
Results-driven Senior Test Engineer with over 26 years of experience in military and civilian sectors, specializing in systems engineering, RF testing, and ISR operations. Proven expertise in developing test plans, automating systems, and troubleshooting complex hardware/software issues in high-stakes environments. Hold active Top Secret Clearance, Security+ (COMP001020853972), and CTT+ (COMP001020853972) certifications. Eager to leverage technical acumen and leadership skills to drive innovation and operational excellence in a dynamic engineering team.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Senior Test Engineer
Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S)
Niceville
05.2025 - Current
- Led development and execution of comprehensive test plans, cases, and procedures for the Common Modular Software Defined Radio (cMSDR) within the Small Weapons Attritable (SWARMM) Family 2 (SF2) program.
- Designed and implemented automated test systems and scripts, enhancing testing efficiency and coverage for functional, performance, and reliability assessments.
- Analyzed test results, identified defects, and collaborated with Integration & Test (I&T) teams to resolve issues, ensuring seamless product integration.
- Conducted RF measurements and characterization using specialized equipment, validated waveforms and signal processing algorithms.
- Maintained detailed documentation, including test reports and specifications, while fostering cross-functional collaboration to uphold product quality.
- Contributed to process improvements and stayed abreast of SDR industry trends and testing methodologies.
Senior Test Engineer
Insight Global
Niceville
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Directed test plan development and execution for the cMSDR in the SWARMM Family 2 (SF2) program, mirroring responsibilities from subsequent role at IS4S.
- Engineered automated testing solutions to optimize efficiency; performed rigorous functional, performance, and reliability evaluations.
- Interpreted test data, pinpointed anomalies, and partnered with I&T teams for swift resolutions.
- Executed RF testing and waveform validation; produced comprehensive test documentation.
- Promoted interdisciplinary teamwork and continuous enhancement of testing practices, aligning with emerging SDR technologies.
Operations & Maintenance Instructor
CommIT Enterprises, Inc.
Charleston
06.2022 - 09.2024
- Designed, implemented, and delivered curriculum for the Ground Base Air Defense (GBAD-NET) Marine Air Defense Integrated Family of Systems (MADIS), encompassing media, lesson plans, aids, demonstrations, practical applications, and exams.
- Instructed on safety, installation, programming, operations, maintenance, and repair of software, machinery, and equipment, resulting in enhanced trainee proficiency.
Operations & Maintenance Instructor
Lumbee Tribe Enterprises (LTE) LLC
Pembroke
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed and delivered MADIS curriculum, including media, lesson plans, aids, demonstrations, applications, and assessments.
- Led instruction on system safety, setup, operations, and maintenance; spearheaded curriculum for AN/PRC-158, AN/PRC-160, Adaptive Network Waveform (ANW2C), Network Architecture, and Position, Navigation, & Timing Suite.
- Selected for LMADIS New Equipment Training (NET) at Camp Pendleton, CA; trained 20 Low Altitude Air-Defense (LAAD) Marines on Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS), earning positive feedback.
- Attended MADIS 1.0 Systems Integration Testing (SIT #1) at Crane, IN; troubleshot intercom systems, resolving programming issues and developing NET communications plans.
Sr. Mission Systems Specialist (MSS) IV
L3Harris C3ISR
Rockwall
04.2017 - 08.2021
- Served as ISR Subject Matter Expert for the MC-12W JAVAMAN Program, providing operational guidance on mission system suites for tactical missions.
- Delivered real-time troubleshooting support to aircrews, resolving malfunctions and ensuring mission continuity.
- Managed software updates, network infrastructure (Cisco switches/routers, LANs, VPNs), and component repairs.
- Specialized in ViaSat Arclight and BLOS Ku Spread Spectrum (KuSS) technologies; resolved IP conflicts and communications issues.
- Programmed LOS transceivers (VORTEX & ROVER) for near-real-time video delivery; corrected data-link outages, turret interfaces, and electronic countermeasures.
Sr. Advanced Program Engineer (APE) III
DRS Technologies
Fort Walton Beach
09.2014 - 03.2017
- Oversaw system installation, testing, operations, and troubleshooting for Air, Land, and Sea communications platforms.
- Acted as C4ISR SME for Shipboard Carry-On Satellite System (SCOSS) on U.S. Navy LHD-7 ships.
- Led Factory Acceptance Testing for SCOSS baseline units for Joint Communications Unit (SOCOM); ensured successful delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Created operations and maintenance training curriculum; trained 30 personnel across Naval Special Warfare Groups, accumulating 215 hours with excellent ratings.
- Prepared 50 PRC-117 amplifiers for CSAR C-130 installations; identified HPW errors leading to L3Harris firmware upgrades.
- Supported Baynunah SIGINT Program for U.A.E. Navy, completing shore and sea acceptance testing for 5 ships.
Test Engineer IIB
L-3 Technologies Mission Integration Division (MID)
Greenville
11.2011 - 08.2014
- Tested, operated, and maintained avionics and mission systems for MC-12W Liberty ISR program, enabling real-time intelligence for battlefield decisions.
- Developed lesson plans and trained technicians on procedures, signal flow, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Managed integrated testing of systems including environmental cooling, distribution racks, VXI chassis, and signal processors.
- Configured UNIX/LINUX/VxWorks processors; utilized test equipment like spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes for performance analysis.
Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Supervisor
United States Air Force
09.1999 - 09.2011
- Supervised secure tactical communications and data links for Theater Air Control Systems during global contingencies.
- Expert in data links (LINK 11/16, TDL A/B/C/J, SAT J, SADL) and systems (JRE, JTIDS, PRC-117F, PSC-5D, ARC-231).
- Led maintenance of $6M in satellite and radio systems; contributed to JRE field testing, extending ground-to-air links.
- Installed encrypted nets for Predator squadron during Operation Southern Watch; managed 18 COMSEC systems for EOD teams in Iraq, updating 321 keys for 109 missions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Electronic Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
Montgomery, AL06.2009
Skills
- Test automation and RF testing
- Test planning and defect analysis
- Signal processing and systems integration
- Mobile testing and load testing
- Process improvement and engineering principles
- Technical documentation and writing test cases
- Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and training delivery
- Continuous delivery and continuous integration
- Security testing and defect tracking
- Data analysis and root-cause analysis
- Test case design and test strategy development
- JIRA proficiency and hardware development
Certification
Active Top Secret Clearance
CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) Certification
Security+ Certification
AN_PRC-117 DAMA_IW Operator-Maintainer Course
AN_PSC-5C Operator-Maintainer Course
JTEP System Course
Timeline
Senior Test Engineer
Integrated Solutions for Systems (IS4S)
05.2025 - Current
Senior Test Engineer
Insight Global
09.2024 - 04.2025
Operations & Maintenance Instructor
CommIT Enterprises, Inc.
06.2022 - 09.2024
Operations & Maintenance Instructor
Lumbee Tribe Enterprises (LTE) LLC
08.2021 - 05.2022
Sr. Mission Systems Specialist (MSS) IV
L3Harris C3ISR
04.2017 - 08.2021
Sr. Advanced Program Engineer (APE) III
DRS Technologies
09.2014 - 03.2017
Test Engineer IIB
L-3 Technologies Mission Integration Division (MID)
11.2011 - 08.2014
Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Supervisor
United States Air Force
09.1999 - 09.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Electronic Systems Technology
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)