System Test Engineer III

AeroVironment•Princeton, CA

About The Position

The System Test Engineer develops and executes System Test Plans for small unmanned air vehicles, missiles, and associated subsystems. Testing includes simulator, ground, and flight tests, as well as logging and analyzing data and documenting test results. The position supports developmental test and evaluation of subsystems, model-scale systems, and full-scale systems, and assists the Flight Test Director during flight tests. The role receives general instructions for routine work and more detailed instructions for new projects. It works within defined requirements under moderate supervision, addresses problems of moderate scope by reviewing multiple factors, and exercises judgment within established procedures. The engineer may perform multiple tasks on a project and is responsible for completing assigned work within project schedules and budgets while contributing to project cost and schedule goals. The role requires 10–30% travel within the Continental U.S. It involves work in office and manufacturing settings as well as frequent outdoor work in extreme hot or cold weather, occasional work at night, and frequent work at test sites. The salary range is $100,500–$171,000. Access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information requires applicants to qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (Software, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace), or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2–5 years of experience in a related industry or in projects that include conducting system or flight tests.
Ability to travel 10–30% within the Continental U.S.
Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments; frequently work outdoors in extreme hot or cold weather and on uneven terrain; occasionally work at night; and carry and set up equipment at test sites.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods and to use a computer and telephone keyboard.
Ability to lift, carry, or move objects up to 50 lbs. and repeatedly throw objects up to 16 lbs. over the shoulder.
Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble products.
Ability to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work well across disciplines and collaboratively in a team.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Initiative, ownership of work products, accountability, and commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance.
Applicants must meet the applicable U.S.-person or export-license requirements for access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

A relevant master’s or Ph.D. degree.
Experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing.
Experience as a pilot or aircrew member.
Willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems.
Effectiveness in technical conversations with experts in test instrumentation and data acquisition.

Responsibilities

Support developmental test and evaluation of subsystem, model-scale, and full-scale systems.
Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests.
Determine and communicate subsystem, system, and flight test objectives.
Develop test cards to verify that test objectives are met.
Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable.
Participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs.
Prepare test assets for testing, including configuring product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment.
Process and analyze test data to determine results, including analyzing large data sets using MATLAB or Excel.
Capture test activities, complete test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network.
Enter test failures or anomalies in an issue-tracking database.
Summarize test activities and results in reports.
Determine regression test requirements based on subsystem modifications.
Develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures.
Estimate the time required for testing and complete assigned tasks within the project schedule.
Work with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when required.
Work with product development engineers to derive test requirements from product specifications and modifications.
Verbally direct UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; document test plans, procedures, and reports; capture system test requirements; record failures; and report results.
Perform other duties as assigned.