System Test Engineer III

Worker Type

Job Description

Summary
The System Test Engineer III 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

• 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 the 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.

• Develop System Test Plans for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles and their associated subsystems execute simulator and flight tests and document test results

• 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

• Work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications

• Demonstrates good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Contributes to meeting project cost and schedule under little supervision

• Performs multiple tasks on more than one project. Completes tasks within schedule and budget

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelors degree in related discipline (Software Systems Electrical Mechanical or Aerospace) is required or equivalent combination of education training and experience

• Minimum of 5 8 years experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight tests

• Skilled at 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

• Position requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Arelevant MS or PhD graduate in related discipline (Software Systems Electrical Mechanical or Aerospace) is preferred

• Experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferred

• Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial

• Willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems

• Is effective in conversing 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

• Has effective problem-solving analytical interpersonal and strong communication skills

• Focuses on teamwork collaboration and puts the success of the team above ones own interests

• Works 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

The salary range for this role is:

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

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironments determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironments business requirements. A U.S. person according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical dental vision 401K with company matching a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isnt for everyone. We hire the curious the relentless the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We dont just build defense technologywe redefine whats 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 Smithsonianbut were not building history were building whats next.

If youre ready to build technology that matterswith speed scale and purposetheres no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veterans. AeroVironment Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race sex color religion national origin age disability protected veteran status genetic datasexual orientation gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR