Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,304 - 105,456; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is hiring a Systems Integration and Test Engineer based in Blacksburg, Virginia. The successful candidate will provide support for uncrewed aerial aircraft (UAS) research and testing, facilitating the integration of complex systems and developing testing procedures.

Qualifications include an advanced degree or Bachelor's in engineering or a related field, relevant experience with C-UAS systems, and good communication skills. The position is exempt from overtime and restricted to U.S. citizens.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing.
• Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking.
• Good communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Support UAS and C-UAS research and testing.
• Facilitate integration of complex systems and develop test procedures.
• Conduct tests and report results.

Job description

Job Description

MAAP is a collaborative research center that leads a FAA‑designated UAS test site and works on the FAA Beyond Program. The program advances UAS integration into airspace and its adoption by industry through innovative research, testing, and risk‑based safety case development.

We are seeking a Systems Integration and Test Engineer to support uncrewed aerial aircraft (UAS) and counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) research and testing. The engineer will serve as a technical expert, facilitate the integration of complex systems, develop test procedures and instrumentation, conduct tests, and report results.

The successful engineer will be a self‑motivated team player capable of executing a broad set of tasks. Tasks may be assigned by the engineering team or flight operations team leaders, and the engineer will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or a 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.
• United States citizenship.
• Good driving record; ability to lift or move equipment over 25 pounds; work in outdoor elements and uneven terrain, including significant walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aviation and/or UAS experience.
• Experience with C‑UAS systems.
• Experience 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 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 U.S. Citizen. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

EEO Statement

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.