Directed Energy Senior Opto-Mechanical Test Engineer

AeroVironment•Albuquerque, NM

1d•$91,000 - $138,750•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Directed Energy Senior Opto-Mechanical Test Engineer to support Manufacturing by working with the System Engineering Test Team to help development, integration, and execution of test strategies for advanced electro-optical and mechanical systems for prototype, development, and production hardware. This role will be responsible for supporting the design and test methods, fixtures, instrumentation, and automated test solutions to verify product performance, reliability, and compliance with system requirements. The ideal candidate has strong experience with opto-mechanical assemblies, precision alignment, environmental testing, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration across mechanical, electrical, optical, software, and systems engineering teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
5-7 years of experience in engineering test, verification, integration, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience testing opto-mechanical systems or precision electro-optical assemblies.
Experience with optical alignment, measurement, characterization, and troubleshooting.
Experience with engineering instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, data acquisition systems, environmental sensors, optical power meters, interferometers, collimators, or similar equipment.
Experience developing test fixtures.
Working knowledge of mechanical drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and structural interfaces.
Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environment.
U.S. Citizenship required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAD tools and the design of fixtures, tooling, or production aids.
Experience with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-883, RTCA DO-160, or other applicable environmental and qualification standards.
Familiarity with optical metrology, MTF testing, boresight alignment, image quality analysis, radiometry, or stray-light testing.
Experience with vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, ingress protection, EMI/EMC, or environmental qualification testing.
Knowledge of systems engineering processes, requirements management, and verification methods.
Experience supporting products from prototype development through production.
Prior experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or other regulated industries.

Responsibilities

Work with System Engineering Test Team to refine test plans, procedures, and requirements traceability for opto-mechanical systems and/or subsystems.
Develop, document, and execute test plans and procedures for optical and opto-mechanical components.
Design, build, and validate test fixtures, tooling, instrumentation, for laboratory and production test areas.
Execute functional, performance, qualification, environmental, vibration, shock, thermal, and reliability testing.
Perform precision optical alignment and characterization of cameras, sensors, laser systems, gimbals, and related assemblies.
Integrate mechanical, optical, electrical, and software components into test configurations.
Analyze test data, identify trends and anomalies, and prepare clear technical reports and presentations.
Troubleshoot failures and collaborate with design engineers to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Support design reviews, risk assessments, failure investigations, and verification and validation activities.
Ensure test activities comply with applicable engineering standards, quality procedures, and safety requirements.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians and contribute to the improvement of test processes and capabilities.
Support prototype builds, production transition, field testing, and customer demonstrations as needed.