System Test Engineer II

AeroVironment•Moorpark, CA

3d•$82,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The LMS HIL/SIL System Test Engineer II is an experienced individual contributor within the Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) and Unmanned Systems domain, with strong knowledge of hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) environments, and system‑level verification and validation. Operating in a fast‑paced and highly collaborative organization, this role is responsible for planning, executing, analyzing, and documenting HIL and SIL system tests that validate software, firmware, and hardware integration for LMS products. The LMS HIL/SIL System Test Engineer II supports the tactical and strategic technology roadmap by ensuring comprehensive test coverage, verifying and validating system requirements, identifying defects early, and helping drive system quality and reliability in a competitive market space.

Requirements

BS degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Systems, or related field) or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Typically 3–5 years of experience in system, integration, or HIL/SIL test engineering, preferably on embedded or unmanned systems.
Hands‑on experience with HIL or SIL environments (e.g., real‑time simulators, virtual platforms, stimulus/response rigs, avionics benches, or similar).
Experience developing and executing formal test procedures, documenting results, and raising/triaging defects.
Demonstrated experience verifying and validating system and subsystem requirements through structured test campaigns.
Familiarity with requirements management and traceability, including linking requirements to verification methods and test results.
Experience working with system‑level interfaces and protocols (e.g., serial, Ethernet, CAN, MIL‑STD‑1553, or similar).
Ability to analyze logs and test data from HIL/SIL, identify anomalies, and communicate findings clearly to engineering teams.
Strong scripting and programming skills for test automation and tool development; experience with Python is preferred, with additional experience in C/C++ and/or C# highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and present clear, data‑driven test summaries and hold technical debriefs with engineering and program leadership.
Ability to provide regular status updates on test progress, requirement verification/validation, defect trends, and risk areas to leads and project managers.
U.S. Person status may be required as needed for program and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

MS degree in a related engineering discipline is a plus.
Experience with unmanned systems, guided munitions, or aerospace/defense systems is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with safety‑critical testing practices and ensuring personnel and equipment safety within a lab/HIL/SIL environment.
Experience with configuration management, requirements, and defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Polarion, DOORS, or similar).
Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise technical documentation, including test procedures, test cases, and reports.
Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate system performance, identify thresholds, and provide data‑driven recommendations.
Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and maintain professional working relationships.
Ability to manage multiple test activities, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing program priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and execute HIL and SIL system test campaigns for LMS products, including test procedures, scripts, configurations, and data collection.
Configure and operate HIL test benches and SIL environments, including integration of avionics, payloads, ground control systems (GCS), and simulation/stimulation equipment.
Develop and maintain test cases, test procedures, and test reports to verify and validate system requirements and interfaces.
Ensure requirements traceability by linking system requirements to HIL/SIL test cases, test procedures, and documented results within the appropriate toolset.
Analyze test results and logs from HIL and SIL runs, perform root cause analysis of system issues, and work closely with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams to resolve defects.
Support the development and improvement of HIL and SIL test frameworks, automation, and toolchains to increase coverage, repeatability, and efficiency.
Develop and maintain automated test scripts and utilities using common scripting/programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, C#).
Conduct structured data debriefings and technical reviews for key stakeholders (e.g., Chief Engineer, Program Manager, Lead Engineer), clearly summarizing test results, requirement verification/validation status, risks, and recommendations.
Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior test engineers and technicians working in the HIL/SIL environments.
Ensure test activities follow established processes, safety protocols, and configuration management practices.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Systems, Software, Hardware, Safety, and Program Management) to ensure test readiness, clear defect communication, and alignment with program schedules.
Participate in design, requirements, and test readiness reviews, providing input on testability, system behavior, and risk areas.
Maintain a high level of internal customer satisfaction by delivering clear status, timely defect reporting, and high‑quality test artifacts.
Other duties as assigned.