System Test Engineer I

AeroVironment, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a System Test Engineer I to develop and execute test plans for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles. You will support developmental testing, assist during flight tests, and analyze data to verify system requirements.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and operators in a fast-paced environment. The position involves preparing test assets, reviewing system requirements, and documenting results with standard procedures, while maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline (Software, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace) or equivalent.
• Ability to document test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally direct UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests.
• Travel 10–30% within the Continental U.S.
• Experience with scripting/programming languages to automate testing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute System Test Plans for UAVs and missiles and subsystems.
• Support developmental test and evaluation of sub-systems and full-scale testing.
• Assist Flight Test Director during flight tests and participate in test readiness reviews.
• Analyze test data, capture results, and log failures in issue tracking system.

Skills

Test planning

Data analysis

UAV testing

MATLAB

Scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe 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 ResponsibilitiesSupport developmental test and evaluation of sub-system, model-scale, and full scale testing. Assist the Flight Test Director during flight testsHelp to determine and communicate subsystem, system and flight test objectives. Develop test cards to verify that those objectives are metReview System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testableParticipate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefsEnsure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipmentProcess 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 scheduleWork with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when requiredReceives detailed instructions on all work. Works within specific requirements to complete tasks under general supervisionWorks on problems of limited scope. Articulates issues and need for guidance. Contributes to meeting project cost and scheduleFollows 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 budgetOther duties as assignedBasic 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 experienceThe position typically requires no prior professional experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight testsAbility to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modificationsAble 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 resultsPosition requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S.Other Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesPrevious experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferredExperience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficialWilling to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systemsCan converse technically with experts in the fields of test instrumentation and data acquisitionAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyDemonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and strong communication skillsFocuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsDemonstrates ability to work well with others across disciplinesPhysical DemandsAbility 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)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$66,500 - $101,500AeroVironment 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.ITARU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.