Test Engineer, Autonomous sUAS Systems

Battelle • Columbus, OH

4d • $110,000 - $140,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Test Engineer III, Autonomous sUAS Systems to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of testing activities for advanced autonomous unmanned aerial systems supporting defense and national security missions. This position will operate from Beavercreek, OH/WPAB or Columbus, OH. In this role, you will serve as a key contributor responsible for validating system performance, autonomy capabilities, mission effectiveness, and operational readiness of next-generation sUAS platforms. Working within multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop test strategies, conduct laboratory and field evaluations, analyze complex system behaviors, and support customer demonstrations and flight test operations. The ideal candidate combines hands-on testing experience with strong systems-level thinking and a passion for bringing innovative autonomous technologies from development into mission deployment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in test engineering, systems integration, aerospace systems, robotics, autonomy, or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience developing and executing verification and validation strategies for complex systems.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar technical computing environments.
• Experience analyzing telemetry, sensor, and performance data from fielded systems.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, requirements verification, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel in support of testing activities and customer demonstrations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or national security programs.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous aerial systems, robotics, or distributed autonomous platforms.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, AirSim, or similar autonomy development environments.
• Understanding of AI/ML-enabled autonomy, computer vision, sensor fusion, and navigation systems.
• Experience conducting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and system integration testing.
• Knowledge of RF communications, software-defined radios, tactical networking, GPS/GNSS, and data-link architectures.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
• Experience supporting military flight operations, UAS ranges, or operational test activities.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD test methodologies, DoD acquisition processes, and MOSA/Open Architecture principles.
• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred; Top Secret clearance strongly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead complex test efforts.
• Strong technical communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and driving technical excellence.
• Strong organizational and project execution skills.
• Passion for defense innovation and emerging autonomous technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of test plans, procedures, and verification activities for autonomous sUAS systems and mission payloads.
• Design and conduct laboratory, simulation, integration, environmental, and field-testing activities.
• Evaluate system performance against technical requirements, operational scenarios, and customer objectives.
• Develop traceability between requirements, test procedures, and validation results.
• Identify technical risks and recommend mitigation strategies throughout the development lifecycle.
• Validate autonomous capabilities including: GPS-denied navigation, Waypoint navigation and path planning, Obstacle and threat avoidance, Target detection and tracking, Collaborative autonomy and swarm behaviors, Dynamic mission replanning.
• Assess AI/ML-enabled autonomy performance in operationally relevant test environments.
• Investigate system anomalies and lead root-cause analysis efforts.
• Support planning, coordination, and execution of flight test events and mission demonstrations.
• Participate in flight readiness reviews, safety assessments, and mission briefings.
• Oversee collection and quality assurance of telemetry, sensor, communications, and mission data.
• Support testing activities at government ranges, customer facilities, and operational environments.
• Analyze flight and system performance data to identify trends, deficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain automated test tools, software utilities, and data analysis scripts.
• Support development of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and digital engineering test environments.
• Generate detailed technical reports and customer-facing test documentation.
• Collaborate closely with software, systems, RF, cybersecurity, autonomy, and hardware engineering teams.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians while promoting testing best practices.
• Interface directly with government customers and program stakeholders regarding test objectives, execution, and results.
• Ensure testing activities comply with applicable military, FAA, cybersecurity, and safety requirements.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation and configuration records.
• Support customer acceptance testing, certifications, and operational evaluations.

Benefits

• Flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• Industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior