Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) plays a crucial role in advancing UAS integration into the airspace and adoption by industry. We are in the unique position of leading both an FAA designated UAS Test Site and a highly productive team in the FAA Beyond Program. Through those programs and others we blaze new ground for advanced UAS operations daily through innovative research and testing and weve built a track record of conducting first of their kind operations that move the industry forward. Our experienced team works closely with industry and government stakeholders to enable new applications for drones such as package delivery damage assessment and infrastructure inspection; through that work weve pioneered a process for the development of risk-based safety cases that is rapidly becoming an industry standard. And because we are part of Virginia Tech all our staff enjoy the universitys benefits package as well as the many advantages of living in Blacksburg Virginia recognized by Livability Journal as one of 2018s Top 100 Best Places to Live.
MAAP is seeking qualified applicants with experience in engineering disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a Systems Integration and Test Engineer in support of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Counter UAS (C-UAS) research and testing. This role facilitates the preparation and execution of UAS research by serving as a technical expert in their field facilitating integration of complex systems developing test procedures and instrumentation conducting tests and reporting test results. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C-UAS research with preference given to candidates that have uncrewed/autonomous system experience.
The Systems Integration and Test Engineer must be a self-motivated team player that can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasks from the engineering team and flight operations team leaders and will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

Required Qualifications

Advanced degree or Bachelors degree in engineering engineering technology aviation or closely related technical field. An exception may be made for individuals with significant relevant experience.
Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing preferably related to C-UAS systems
Experience with computer hardware software and/or networking
Good communication skills
Due to restrictions on the funded projects position is restricted to a US Citizen.
Must have a good driving record ability to lift/move/carry equipment over 25 pounds working in outside elements traversing across uneven terrain with considerable time walking standing stooping and bending.

Preferred Qualifications

Aviation and/or UAS experience
Experience with C-UAS systems
Experience working with Ardupilot Arducopter and/or PX4 software
UAS design and construction experience
Software and programming experience (Python Mavlink multi-threaded programming ROS etc.)
Proficient remote pilot and/or manual fixed wing RC flying skills
Experience working with aviation safety

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

70304 - 105456; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 22 2026

Additional Information

Due to restrictions on the funded projects position is restricted to a US Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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