Systems Test Engineer I

AeroVironment, Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a System Test Engineer I to develop and execute System Test Plans for small unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. You will work on simulator, ground and flight tests, analyze data and document results.

You will support developmental testing, draft test cards, review requirements for testability, and participate in readiness reviews and post-test debriefs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Software, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace or equivalent.
• Ability to document test plans, procedures and reports; communicate test requirements.
• 10–30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Responsibilities

• Support developmental test and evaluation of sub-systems and full-scale testing.
• Develop test cards to verify objectives are met.
• Review System Requirement documents for testability.
• Participate in test readiness reviews and debriefs.
• Prepare test assets and maintain test equipment.

Skills

Test planning

Documentation

Data analysis

UAV test execution

Scripting

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

• Support developmental test and evaluation of sub-system, model-scale, and full-scale testing. Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests
• Help to determine and communicate subsystem, system and flight test objectives. Develop test cards to verify that those objectives are met
• Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
• Participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
• Process 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 schedule
• Work with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when required
• Receives detailed instructions on all work. Works within specific requirements to complete tasks under general supervision
• Works on problems of limited scope. Articulates issues and need for guidance. Contributes to meeting project cost and schedule
• Follows 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 budget
• Other duties as assigned

Basic 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 experience
• The position typically requires no prior professional experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight tests
• Ability to work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
• Able 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 results
• Position requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Previous experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferred
• Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial
• Willing to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems
• Can converse technically with experts in the fields of test instrumentation and data acquisition
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and strong communication skills
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Demonstrates ability to work well with others across disciplines

Physical Demands

• Ability 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)