Defense Test Engineer - UAS/C-UAS Flight Testing

IGNITE; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

IGNITE is seeking a driven Test Engineer – Journeyman to support Aviation and Missile Center UAS/C-UAS PoC in Huntsville, AL. The role is onsite with government clients and may require travel.

The successful candidate will develop test plans, execute lab, ground, and flight tests, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. A DoD-facing background and clear communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline is required.
• 5–10 years of engineering or test experience in DoD programs.
• Experience with UAS, C-UAS, robotics, autonomy, or ISR systems.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and test reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to government facilities and test ranges.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and test matrices.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, and measurable performance metrics.
• Coordinate test activities with engineering, operations, logistics, and government stakeholders.
• Identify required test resources, instrumentation, and support equipment.
• Execute laboratory, ground, and flight testing of UAS and C-UAS technologies.
• Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to procedures and safety requirements.
• Record system performance, observations, anomalies, and deficiencies during testing.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware, software, communications, and sensor issues encountered during testing.
• Collect telemetry, sensor, communications, and mission performance data.
• Analyze test results against operational requirements and performance objectives.
• Prepare test plans, procedures, reports, after action report, and Lessons Learned documentation.
• Maintain test records and configuration documentation.
• Support government demonstrations and military exercises.
• Coordinate with range personnel and flight operations teams.
• Monitor system performance during operational scenarios.
• Follow flight safety, range safety, and environmental procedures.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, FAA, and customer testing requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Aviation, or related technical discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Power BI

Job description

IGNITE is seeking a driven Test Engineer – Journeyman to support Aviation and Missile Center UAS/C-UAS PoC in Huntsville, AL. The role is onsite with government clients and may require travel.

The successful candidate will develop test plans, execute lab, ground, and flight tests, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. A DoD-facing background and clear communication skills are essential.