Senior Test Engineer, Autonomous UAS Systems

Battelle • Columbus, OH

1d • $135,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Autonomous sUAS Systems to provide technical leadership in the development, integration, verification, and operational testing of advanced autonomous unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) supporting national security, defense, and emerging technology programs. This position can operate from our Beavercreek/WPAFB offices or Columbus. In this role, you will lead complex test initiatives across software, hardware, autonomy, communications, and mission systems. You will be responsible for developing test strategies, directing flight and field test campaigns, assessing mission effectiveness, and ensuring autonomous capabilities meet customer requirements and operational objectives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with autonomous systems, aerospace testing, or defense platforms and is capable of guiding multidisciplinary teams through challenging technical problems while shaping the future of autonomous mission capabilities. Join Battelle and lead the testing and evaluation of next-generation autonomous sUAS technologies that enable mission success in the world's most demanding operational environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in test engineering, systems integration, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, robotics, defense systems, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading verification and validation efforts for complex integrated systems.
• Experience designing and executing flight tests, system integration testing, or operational evaluations.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or other technical computing tools.
• Experience with data analysis, telemetry evaluation, and technical reporting.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and requirements verification methodologies.
• Ability to travel up to 45 % in support of customer engagements and testing activities.
• Active Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, DARPA, or national security programs.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous aerial systems and advanced robotics platforms.
• Expertise with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, AirSim, or comparable autonomy ecosystems.
• Experience evaluating AI/ML-enabled autonomy and machine perception systems.
• Strong understanding of RF communications, tactical networks, software-defined radios, GPS/GNSS-denied operations, and secure communications architectures.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with MOSA/Open Architecture frameworks and DoD acquisition processes.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience supporting military flight test programs or operational experimentation events.
• Recognized technical expertise in autonomous systems, aerospace testing, or mission system validation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly complex technical efforts with minimal oversight.
• Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Passion for advancing next-generation autonomous technologies in support of critical national security missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of verification, validation, and operational testing for autonomous sUAS platforms and mission payloads.
• Develop comprehensive test strategies that align technical requirements with mission objectives and customer expectations.
• Establish test architectures, success criteria, performance metrics, and risk mitigation plans.
• Serve as the primary technical lead for major test events and developmental flight campaigns.
• Identify technical risks and develop corrective action plans to ensure successful program execution.
• Evaluate and validate advanced autonomous capabilities including: GPS-denied navigation, Sensor fusion and perception systems, Target detection and tracking, Multi-agent and swarm autonomy, AI/ML-enabled decision-making, Collaborative mission execution, Dynamic mission replanning and resilience.
• Lead root-cause investigations of complex system failures and performance anomalies.
• Assess autonomy performance in contested, degraded, and operationally representative environments.
• Direct flight-test planning, execution, safety reviews, and post-flight assessments.
• Lead technical execution at government ranges, customer facilities, and operational test environments.
• Coordinate with pilots, range personnel, systems engineers, operators, and government stakeholders.
• Support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, and technology transition activities.
• Ensure mission readiness and test execution aligns with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Lead development of automated test frameworks and continuous integration/continuous testing methodologies.
• Guide implementation of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and digital engineering environments.
• Develop data-driven approaches to system performance assessment and operational readiness evaluation.
• Drive innovation in automated verification and validation processes.
• Collaborate closely with software, autonomy, RF, cybersecurity, systems, and hardware engineering teams.
• Influence system design through early test involvement and engineering feedback.
• Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and customer engagements.
• Support proposal development, technical planning, and future capability roadmaps.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on test engineering best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers.
• Establish testing standards, methodologies, and engineering best practices.
• Lead technical reviews and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving activities.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and mission success.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior