Test Engineer

Vatn Systems; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vatn Systems seeks a UUV Test Engineer to ensure quality, reliability, and performance of our autonomous underwater vehicles. You will design and execute on-water test plans, analyze results, and collaborate with engineering teams to drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include developing test protocols across product lifecycles, contributing to government-aligned testing, and documenting findings. Expect field work, troubleshooting, and close interaction with customers and integrators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, or related field).
• Proven experience in systems engineering, integration, and comprehensive testing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing detailed Test Plans, precise Test Procedures, and Test Reports.
• Strong foundation in mechanical, electrical, and control systems theory.
• Hands-on field testing experience in demanding environments.
• Expertise in electronics troubleshooting with standard test equipment.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong communication abilities with diverse teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Support integration of sensors, navigation, propulsion, secure communications, autonomous software, and power management.
• Conduct on-water operations to execute UUV mission profiles.
• Collaborate with engineers across the development lifecycle.
• Develop and execute test protocols across development phases and checkpoints.
• Contribute to test programs aligned with government standards and best practices.
• Assist in establishing operational metrics for performance excellence and reliability.
• Support test operations for flagship platforms: pre-mission diagnostics, launch/recovery, post-mission analysis.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and field maintenance support.
• Author detailed test reports documenting system performance for capability validation.
• Support data analysis to extract actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation standards.
• Work with customers and integrators on payload integration requirements.
• Contribute to design reviews and verification planning.

Skills

Systems engineering

Test plans

Test procedures

Field testing

Electronics troubleshooting

Engineering drawings

Cross-functional communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

About Vatn Systems

Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented UUV Test Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a UUV Test Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our fleet of vehicles. You will design and execute test plans through on water testing, analyze test results, and collaborate closely with our engineering and development teams to drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the sophisticated integration of cutting-edge subsystems including advanced sensors, precision navigation, innovative propulsion systems, secure communications, autonomous software platforms, and robust power management systems
• Conduct on water operations to execute a variety of UUV mission profiles
• Collaborate closely with our world-class team of engineers and specialists throughout the complete product development lifecycle
• Support the development and execution of comprehensive test protocols spanning development phases, system integration checkpoints, and stringent acceptance criteria
• Contribute to rigorous test and evaluation programs aligned with government standards and industry best practices
• Assist in establishing operational metrics that define performance excellence and system reliability
• Support complex test operations for our flagship platforms, assisting with pre-mission diagnostics, launch/recovery procedures, and post-mission analysis
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance support in challenging field environments
• Author detailed operational test reports that document system performance and contribute to capability validation
• Support data analysis efforts to extract actionable insights that help drive continuous improvement
• Maintain configuration control and documentation standards as part of the broader development team
• Work with external customers and integrators to support the integration of their payloads and requirements into our AUV platforms
• Contribute to critical design reviews and verification planning to help ensure adherence to project objectives
• Support Vatn Systems at industry events, exercises, and collaborative testing initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, or related field)
• Proven experience in systems engineering, integration, and comprehensive testing
• Demonstrated proficiency in developing detailed Test Plans, precise Test Procedures, and Test Reports
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and control systems theory
• Hands-on experience with field testing in operationally demanding environments
• Expertise in electronics troubleshooting with proficiency in standard test equipment
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Strong communication abilities that work well with diverse technical and non-technical team members
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture
• Team-oriented mindset with high ownership and proactive approach to supporting team objectives
• Flexibility to travel up to 20% (potentially more during critical test campaigns)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with maritime system operations and testing in sea environments
• UUV operator experience spanning across mission planning, execution and data review.
• Knowledge of subsea sensor integration, underwater navigation systems, and acoustic communication technologies
• On water experience working on and around vessels
• Familiarity and experience with subsea pressure vessel design
• Familiarity with subsea operational procedures and marine equipment
• Previous experience supporting test and evaluation programs
• Experience with autonomous system development and testing
• Background in maritime offshore operations and marine engineering

Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater vehicles.