Systems Integration and Test Engineer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 105,456; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Systems Integration and Test Engineer at Virginia Tech's Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership in Blacksburg, Virginia. This role supports UAS research and testing by integrating complex systems, developing test procedures, and reporting results.

The ideal candidate should have an engineering degree, experience in flight testing, and must be a US Citizen. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with a dynamic research environment contributing to the UAS industry.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen due to project restrictions.
• Experience with C-UAS systems preferred.
• Ability to lift/move/carry equipment over 25 pounds required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate UAS research, integrating complex systems.
• Develop testing procedures and instrumentation.
• Report test results and support diverse UAS testing tasks.

Skills

Engineering research

Flight testing

Communication skills

Experience with networking

Education

Advanced degree or Bachelor’s in engineering or related field

Tools

Ardupilot

PX4 software

Job description

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) plays a crucial role in advancing UAS integration into the airspace and adoption by industry. We are the unique position of leading both an FAA designated UAS Test Site and a highly productive team in the FAA Beyond Program. Through these programs and others, we blaze new ground for advanced UAS operations daily through innovative research and testing, and we've built a track record of conducting first‑of‑their‑kind operations that move the industry forward. Our experienced team works closely with industry and government stakeholders to enable new applications for drones such as package delivery, damage assessment, and infrastructure inspection; through that work, we've pioneered a process for the development of risk‑based safety cases that is rapidly becoming an industry standard. Because we are part of Virginia Tech, all our staff enjoy the university's benefits package as well as the many advantages of living in Blacksburg, Virginia, recognized by Livability Journal as one of 2018's Top 100 Best Places to Live.

MAAP is seeking qualified applicants with experience in engineering disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a Systems Integration and Test Engineer in support of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) research and testing. This role facilitates the preparation and execution of UAS research by serving as a technical expert in their field, facilitating integration of complex systems, developing test procedures and instrumentation, conducting tests, and reporting test results. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C‑UAS research, with preference given to candidates that have uncrewed/autonomous system experience.

The Systems Integration and Test Engineer must be a self‑motivated team player that can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasks from the engineering team and flight operations team leaders and will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or closely related technical field. An exception may be made for individuals with significant relevant experience.
• Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing, preferably related to C‑UAS systems.
• Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking.
• Good communication skills.
• Due to restrictions on the funded projects, position is restricted to a US Citizen.
• Must have a good driving record, ability to lift/move/carry equipment over 25 pounds, work in outside elements, traversing across uneven terrain with considerable time walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aviation and/or UAS experience.
• Experience with C‑UAS systems.
• Experience working with Ardupilot, Arducopter and/or PX4 software.
• UAS design and construction experience.
• Software and programming experience (Python, Mavlink, multi‑threaded programming, ROS, etc.).
• Proficient remote pilot and/or manual fixed‑wing RC flying skills.
• Experience working with aviation safety.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

70,304 - 105,456; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

June 22, 2026

Additional Information

Due to restrictions on the funded projects, position is restricted to a US Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Poff at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.