Systems Test Engineer II

AeroVironment•Princeton, CA

About The Position

The Systems Test Engineer II 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 results. The role supports developmental test and evaluation across subsystem, model-scale, and full-scale testing, and assists the Flight Test Director during flight tests. The position operates under moderate supervision, handling work of moderate scope and contributing to project cost and schedule objectives. Work may involve multiple tasks on one project and collaboration with product development engineers, outside test labs, and technicians. The role requires 10–30% travel within the continental United States and access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information; applicants must meet applicable U.S.-person or export-license requirements. Some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. The posting also states that applicants must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.

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 involving system or flight tests.
Able to travel 10–30% within the continental United States.
Able to work in an office and manufacturing environment; frequently work outdoors in extreme hot and cold weather, occasionally at night, and traverse uneven ground and varying terrain.
Able to sit and stand for long periods and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.
Able to lift, carry, or move objects up to 50 lbs., carry and set up equipment at test sites, and assemble and disassemble products.
Able to repeatedly throw objects up to 16 lbs. over the shoulder.
Able to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR requirements or be eligible for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship.
Must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.
Demonstrate effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, and work well with others across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing.
Experience as a pilot or aircrew member.
A relevant master’s or Ph.D. in a related discipline.
Willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems.
Ability to converse technically with experts in test instrumentation and data acquisition.
Skill in documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; and recording failures and reporting results.
Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives; ownership of work products; commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance.
Focus on teamwork and collaboration, putting team success above individual interests.

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 test objectives.
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 datasets using software tools such as MATLAB or Excel.
Capture test activities, complete test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network.
Enter test failures or anomalies into 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 testing time 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 based on product specifications and modifications.
Verbally direct UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests.
Perform other duties as assigned.