Systems Test Engineer II

AeroVironment•Moorpark, CA

4d•$82,000 - $139,500

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 test results. The role supports developmental test and evaluation of subsystem, model-scale, and full-scale systems, and assists the Flight Test Director during flight tests. The engineer works under moderate supervision, receiving general instructions for routine work and more detailed guidance on new projects. The position handles problems of moderate scope, applies defined procedures and company policies, and contributes to project cost and schedule goals. Work may involve multiple tasks on one project and collaboration with product development engineers, outside test laboratories, technicians, UAV operators, and observers. The position requires 10–30% travel within the Continental U.S. It is subject to ITAR and/or EAR requirements, including qualifying as a U.S. person or obtaining required export-license approval. The posting also states that U.S. citizenship is required and that the candidate must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as 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 projects that include conducting system or flight tests.
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment; frequently work outdoors in extreme hot and cold weather and occasionally at night; and traverse uneven ground and varying terrain.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods and use a computer and telephone keyboard.
Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds and frequently carry and set up equipment at test sites.
Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble products.
Ability to repeatedly throw objects up to 16 pounds over the shoulder.
Ability to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away.
Willingness to travel 10–30% within the Continental U.S.
Must meet applicable ITAR/EAR eligibility requirements; the posting states U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.

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. degree.
Ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements from product specifications and modifications.
Willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind-tunnel test techniques and measurement systems.
Effectiveness in technical discussions 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; recording test failures; and reporting test 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 and responsibility for current and past work products, with a commitment to learning from mistakes and improving performance.
Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Teamwork, collaboration, and ability to work well with others across disciplines.

Responsibilities

Support developmental test and evaluation of subsystem, model-scale, and full-scale systems, and assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests.
Determine and communicate subsystem, system, and flight-test objectives, and develop test cards to verify those objectives.
Review system requirements 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, 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 software tools such as MATLAB or Excel.
Capture test activities, complete test data sheets, transfer telemetry files to the network, enter test failures or anomalies in an issue-tracking database, and summarize activities and results in reports.
Determine regression test requirements for subsystem modifications and 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 laboratories and assist technicians during testing when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.