Systems Test Engineer I

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The System Test Engineer I develops and executes System Test Plans for small, unmanned air vehicles and missiles and their associated subsystems. Testing encompasses simulator, ground and flight tests and includes logging and analyzing data and documenting test results.

Position Responsibilities

• Support developmental test and evaluation of sub-system, model-scale, and full-scale testing. Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests
• Help to determine and communicate subsystem, system and flight test objectives. Develop test cards to verify that those objectives are met
• 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
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
• Process and analyze test data to determine test results. Analyze large test data sets using software tools (MATLAB or Excel)
• Capture test activities, fill in test data sheets, and transfer telemetry files to the network. Enter test failures or anomalies in an issue tracking system database. Summarize test activities and results in reports.
• Help to determine regression test requirements based on specific sub-system modifications. Learn ability to develop ad-hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures.
• Responsible for estimating time required to conduct testing and completing assigned tasks within project schedule
• Work with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when required
• Receives detailed instructions on all work. Works within specific requirements to complete tasks under general supervision
• Works on problems of limited scope. Articulates issues and need for guidance. Contributes to meeting project cost and schedule
• Follows standard practices and procedures when analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. Typically performs a single task on one project. Completes assigned tasks within schedule and budget
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline (Software, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• The position typically requires no prior professional experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight tests
• Ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
• Able to effectively document test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally direct UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capture system test requirements; record test failures and report test results
• Position requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Previous experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferred
• Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial
• Willing to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems
• Can converse technically with experts in the fields of test instrumentation and data acquisition
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and strong communication skills
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Demonstrates ability to work well with others across disciplines

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Occasional)
• Able to frequently work outdoors in extreme weather conditions (hot and cold temperatures) and occasionally at night; Able to traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Frequent)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
• Able to lift, carry and/or move objects of varying sizes and shapes up to 50 lbs. (Frequent); Required to carry and set up equipment at test site locations (Frequent)
• Able to demonstrate good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
• Able to repeatedly throw objects up to 16 lbs. over shoulder (Frequent)
• Able to maintain visual line of sight of unmanned air vehicles up to 1 kilometer away (Frequent)

Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$66,500 - $101,500

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.