Senior Engineer - Test Engineer

AeroVironment•San Diego, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment is seeking a Senior Test Systems Engineer to design, build, and maintain the test infrastructure that validates our Counter-UAS RF hardware from prototype through volume production. You will own the automated test equipment (ATE), acceptance test procedures (ATPs), and data pipelines that ensure every unit meets IPC Class 3 and MIL-spec quality standards. This role sits at the intersection of RF/hardware engineering, test automation, and production—working closely with design engineers, firmware, and our contract manufacturer to drive yield, reduce escapes, and scale throughput.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in test systems engineering for electronic hardware, preferably RF/microwave.
Hands-on experience with RF test instrumentation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters).
Proficiency in test automation programming (Python, LabVIEW, and/or similar languages/tools).
Working knowledge of IPC Class 3 and MIL-spec manufacturing/test standards.
Strong data analysis skills for yield and test-coverage evaluation.
U.S. Person status required (ITAR-controlled program).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
Experience with Counter-UAS, radar, EW, or defense RF systems.
Familiarity with test process transfer to contract manufacturers.
Experience with environmental/reliability testing (MIL-STD-810).
Design-for-test (DFT) and fixture design experience.

Responsibilities

Architect and develop automated test systems for RF front-end, PCB assembly, and integrated subsystem validation (S-parameter sweeps, power/gain verification, functional test).
Write, execute, and maintain acceptance test procedures (ATPs) and manufacturing test documentation to MIL-spec and IPC Class 3 requirements.
Build test automation software and data-acquisition frameworks (Python, LabVIEW) for benchtop and production-line stations.
Develop test fixtures, interface boards, and calibration methods for RF and mixed-signal hardware.
Analyze production test data to identify outliers, characterize yield, and drive corrective action across design and manufacturing.
Partner with contract manufacturers to transfer test processes, qualify stations, and support production ramp.
Support environmental and reliability testing (MIL-STD-810H temperature, vibration, etc.).
Collaborate cross-functionally with RF design, firmware, and production engineering to resolve test failures and design-for-test issues.
Coordinate with quality team to identify possible quality escapes and non-conformities identified through testing.