Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Tech Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) plays a crucial role in advancing UAS integration into the airspace and adoption by industry. We are in the unique position of leading both an FAA designated UAS Test Site and a highly productive team in the FAA Beyond Program. Through those programs and others, we blaze new ground for advanced UAS operations daily through innovative research and testing, and we've built a track record of conducting first of their kind operations that move the industry forward. Our experienced team works closely with industry and government stakeholders to enable new applications for drones such as package delivery, damage assessment, and infrastructure inspection; through that work, we've pioneered a process for the development of risk-based safety cases that is rapidly becoming an industry standard. And because we are part of Virginia Tech, all our staff enjoy the university's benefits package as well as the many advantages of living in Blacksburg, Virginia, recognized by Livability Journal as one of 2018's Top 100 Best Places to Live. MAAP is seeking qualified applicants with experience in engineering disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a Systems Integration and Test Engineer in support of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Counter UAS (C-UAS) research and testing. This role facilitates the preparation and execution of UAS research by serving as a technical expert in their field, facilitating integration of complex systems, developing test procedures and instrumentation, conducting tests, and reporting test results. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C-UAS research, with preference given to candidates that have uncrewed/autonomous system experience. The Systems Integration and Test Engineer must be a self-motivated team player that can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasks from the engineering team and flight operations team leaders and will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

Requirements

Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or closely related technical field. An exception may be made for individuals with significant relevant experience.
Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing, preferably related to C-UAS systems
Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking
Good communication skills
US Citizen (due to restrictions on funded projects)
Good driving record
Ability to lift/move/carry equipment over 25 pounds
Working in outside elements
Traversing across uneven terrain with considerable time walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

Nice To Haves

Aviation and/or UAS experience
Experience with C-UAS systems
Experience working with Ardupilot, Arducopter and/or PX4 software
UAS design and construction experience
Software and programming experience (Python, Mavlink, multi-threaded programming, ROS, etc.)
Proficient remote pilot and/or manual fixed wing RC flying skills
Experience working with aviation safety

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical expert in their field, facilitating integration of complex systems, developing test procedures and instrumentation, conducting tests, and reporting test results.
Support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C-UAS research.
Take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks.