Senior Systems Test Engineer (Autonomous sUAS)

Battelle•Dayton, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary We are seeking a mission-driven Senior Autonomous sUAS System Test Engineer to support the development and validation of cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defense and national security applications. This role involves rigorous testing of autonomous drone platforms in simulated and real-world environments to ensure operational readiness, mission reliability, and compliance with military standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
3+ years of experience testing autonomous systems, preferably in defense or aerospace environments.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition lifecycle, MIL-STD testing protocols, and defense system certification processes.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
Experience with UAS platforms, flight controllers (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot), and simulation tools (e.g., ROS, Gazebo).
Strong understanding of RF communications, GPS/INS systems, and secure data links.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting DoD programs or working with defense contractors.
Knowledge of autonomous mission planning, AI/ML integration, and multi-agent coordination.
FAA Part 107 certification or military flight operations experience.
Familiarity with STANAG standards and NATO interoperability requirements.

Responsibilities

Design and execute test plans for autonomous drone systems used in defense missions, including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), logistics, and tactical operations.
Conduct lab and field testing to validate autonomous behaviors such as waypoint navigation, target tracking, threat avoidance, and swarm coordination.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (software, hardware, systems, and mission planning) to identify and resolve performance issues.
Develop automated test frameworks and simulation environments to support MIL-STD and DoD compliance testing.
Analyze telemetry and sensor data to assess system performance under various operational conditions.
Support flight test campaigns at military ranges and restricted airspace, including pre-flight checks, mission execution, and post-flight analysis.
Ensure adherence to cybersecurity protocols and secure communications standards.
Maintain detailed documentation for test procedures, results, and system configurations in accordance with defense audit requirements.

Benefits

Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).