Test & Evaluation Director - Autonomous Systems

Applied Intuition•San Diego, CA

53d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Autonomous Tes & Evaluation Director you are the ultimate authority on our system's readiness for real-world deployment. You will build and lead the function that bridges the gap between cutting-edge R&D and mission-proven capability. You will not just test our autonomous vessels; you will define the very standard of reliability and performance that ensures we deliver a decisive advantage to our nation's defenders. This is a role for a leader who thrives on complex challenges and is driven to see technology make a tangible impact in the most demanding environments on Earth. You will own the holistic assessment of our autonomous systems, ensuring they are performant, reliable and safe.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, Systems), Computer Science, or a related technical field
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in systems engineering, integration, and/or test and evaluation of complex electro-mechanical or software-intensive systems, with at least 5 years in a formal leadership capacity
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading the test and evaluation of autonomous or unmanned systems in a relevant domain (air, ground, or sea)
Experience with using agile program management tooling such as Atlassian Jira
Exemplary critical writing and analysis skills, able to draft comprehensive after action reports
Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including significant periods spent offshore on vessels of various sizes in potentially harsh conditions
U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Direct, hands-on experience with the development, integration, and/or operational testing of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
Proven experience leading on-deck maritime operations, including vessel handling, launch and recovery, and working with pier-side and port service partners
Architectural understanding of a full autonomy software stack, including its core components: perception, prediction, planning, and control systems
Technical proficiency with modern robotics development and testing tools, such as C++, Python, Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2), and high-fidelity simulation environments
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools (e.g., SysML, UML) for requirements management and test case development
Demonstrated experience interfacing directly with government customers, particularly the U.S. Navy, and a strong familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and reporting requirements
Prior military experience in a relevant operational or technical field (e.g., Navy EOD, Naval Special Warfare (NSW), billets related to operations of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS); is a significant advantage

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and own the comprehensive T&E strategy for our entire fleet of autonomous surface vehicles, from concept and simulation to full-scale, multi-vessel operational deployment
Develop and own the complete Verification and Validation (V&V) workflow for our product line, establishing the processes, metrics, tools, and infrastructure that define mission readiness
Synthesize operational risk management frameworks and communicate potential risk to the senior Program Manager ahead of at-sea sorties
Define and own Operational Design Domain (ODD)-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for autonomy, focusing on quantifiable metrics for safety, capability, and reliability in complex maritime environments
Lead the strategic balance between simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), closed-course, and open-ocean testing to maximize learning velocity while ensuring absolute safety and efficiency
Author and maintain master test plans, strategic planning documents, and provide input to the EpiSci Program Managers for Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) documentation (e.g., System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), System Requirements Specification (SRS)) for government programs