Optical Test Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

AV is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division falls under the Labs sector.
The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems.

The Test Engineer is a key member of an integrated team operating in a very dynamic environment. The candidate will work across engineering disciplines to help define V&V statements, develop SW for automated tests and provide overall systems support for multiple programs.

The ideal candidate will have strong optics background as well as hands-on experience with optical tests, optical test benches, autocollimators, vibration tables, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, Cleanrooms, and spaceflight hardware.

On any given day the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

• Work within the systems test team to refine System/Subsystem requirement verification statements and verification cross-reference matrices to ensure the requirements are testable.
• Develop, document, and execute test plans and procedures for optical and opto-mechanical spaceflight components.
• perform alignment, calibration, and verification testing of lenses, mirrors, beam paths, and sensor systems.
• Implement test setups, including selection and integration of optical test equipment (interferometers, collimators, beam profilers, spectrometers, etc.).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute tests (optical, vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.) for spaceflight components and systems according to industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and design hardware and software for automated test equipment as well as supporting existing systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and technicians.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team to achieve system test design automation, integration, SIL integration, and off-site tests.
• Work with the Systems Team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology and execution.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and provide recommendations for design improvements to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Support failure investigation, troubleshooting, and resolutions.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 3 years related experience.
• Proficiency in using optical test equipment (e.g., interferometers, alignment scopes, cameras, light sources, etc.).
• Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, etc..).
• Experience in automated control and measurement systems.
• Experience in System design, Verification, and Validation.
• Experience testing performance of systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience developing integration and test plans/procedures and reports.
• Experience in signal processing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in (Engineering or related field) with 6 years of experience.
• 2+ years of experience in optical testing, preferably in a spaceflight or high-reliability environment.
• Hands-on experience in conducting environmental tests for spaceflight hardware or satellite systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Python, and JAVA.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to assume technical responsibility for pieces of a program or multiple programs.

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$62,963 - $89,250

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 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 AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s 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:  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.

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 data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required