Flight Test Engineer III

AeroVironment • Petaluma, CA

13d

About The Position

The Flight Test Engineer III designs, develops, and implements cost-effective methods of testing and troubleshooting systems for small, unmanned air vehicles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of 5 - 8 years of experience in related industry, including conducting system or flight tests
• Demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools
• Understanding of the functionality of major aircraft sub-systems and avionics
• Strong communication skills, including: documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures; and reporting test results
• Determine regression test requirements based on specific sub-system modifications
• Ability to analyze large test data sets using software tools, like MATLAB or Excel
• Can effectively develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures
• Position requires travel within and outside the Continental U.S. (About 10% - 30%)
• Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed
• ITAR Requirement: T his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Advance degree in Electrical, Software, Systems or Aerospace Engineering is preferred
• Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial
• Preferred candidate will have the ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
• Has effective problem-solving and analytical skills as well as sound judgment
• Has strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others across disciplines
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Responsibilities

• Develop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results
• Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests
• Determine and communicate flight test objectives.
• Develop test cards that meet flight test objectives
• Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
• Participate in flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
• Process and analyze test data to determine test results
• Capture test activities, fill in test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network
• Details test activities in reports and enters test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative and effective ways
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Demonstrates good judgment in selectin methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, receiving little instruction on day-to-day work
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees