Sr. Systems Test Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

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

The Systems 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 an engineering background to support the development, verification, and qualification of spaceflight hardware. In this role, you will be responsible for planning and executing tests on optomechanical and electrical systems, harnesses, and embedded electronics used in spacecraft and space science instruments.

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

• Develop and design hardware and software for automated test equipment as well as supporting existing systems

• 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 and execute comprehensive test plans for spaceflight hardware, ensuring all electrical components and systems meet functional and performance specifications.

• Utilize test equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters to validate design and functionality.

• Work closely with electrical design engineers, systems engineers, and software teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance.

• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in (Engineering or Physics) with 8– 12 years of experience or master’s degree (Engineering or Physics) with 5 – 9 years of experience.

• Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, ect.).

• Experience Labview and Python 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience in environmental and system-level testing of spaceflight hardware

• Direct experience supporting flight programs for organizations such as NASA, U.S. Space Force, or major aerospace primes

• Experience serving as Test Lead or Responsible Test Engineer on complex hardware programs

• Experience with qualification and acceptance testing in accordance with NASA GEVS, U.S. Department of Defense environmental standards, or equivalent

• Experience with vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), shock, EMI/EMC, and acoustic testing of flight hardware

• Experience developing automated test architectures and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems

• Experience with data acquisition systems (e.g., NI PXI, high-speed digitizers, strain/acceleration instrumentation)

• Experience with root cause failure analysis and anomaly resolution in high-reliability systems.

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$101,000 - $143,325

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.

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.

 

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