Lead System Test Engineer - Autonomous UAS

Performance Drone Works, LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, &視

Job summary

Performance Drone Works is seeking a Principal System Test Engineer to lead the test team and drive verification and validation across PDW’s autonomous small UAS platforms. You will translate requirements into test strategies and coordinate lab, ground, and flight tests.

You will guide system-level verification, perform root-cause analyses, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to design test tools and protocols while ensuring DoD security clearance readiness.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience testing and developing complex systems (UAS or aviation systems preferred).
• Experience developing and executing system-level verification and validation plans.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD Secret Security Clearance.
• Experience analyzing test data using MATLAB and performing root-cause analyses.
• Experience designing tests that simulate operational and lifetime stressors.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute test activities from component verification to extended flight tests.
• Coordinate and author documentation around system validation and verification testing.
• Translate requirements into traceable verification strategies.
• Champion test methodology across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Author and oversee test plans, procedures, and test protocols for lab, ground, and flight testing.
• Serve as the interface for system-level validation and verification activities.
• Develop testing schedules and execute campaigns across multiple teams.
• Lead test readiness reviews, data analysis, and cross-functional test reviews.
• Conduct failure investigations and root-cause analyses using structured approaches.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to design test tools and fixtures.

Skills

Test engineering

System verification

Root cause analysis

MATLAB

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Security clearance

UAS knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Eng, Mechanical Eng, Aerospace Eng, or related field

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

Performance Drone Works is seeking a Principal System Test Engineer to lead the test team and drive verification and validation across PDW’s autonomous small UAS platforms. You will translate requirements into test strategies and coordinate lab, ground, and flight tests.

You will guide system-level verification, perform root-cause analyses, and collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to design test tools and protocols while ensuring DoD security clearance readiness.