Job details

System Test Engineer I

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft, and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

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)

The salary range for this role is:

$61,440 - $92,160

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:

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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:

http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits

We also encourage you to review our company website at

http://www.avinc.com

to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

AeroVironment Glassdoor Company Review

3.5