TEST ENGINEER-JOURNEYMAN

Ignite Now; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite Now in Huntsville, AL, seeks a driven Test Engineer – Journeyman to support Aviation and Missile Center UAS/C-UAS PoC trials onsite with government clients. Travel may be required.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5–10 years of DoD test experience, plus familiarity with UAS, robotics, and data-driven testing. You will develop tests, analyze results, and document lessons learned to advance mission-critical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of DoD program engineering or test experience.
• Experience with developmental and/or operational testing demonstration.
• Familiarity with UAS, C-UAS, robotics, autonomy, or ISR systems.
• Experience preparing technical documentation and test reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• U.S. citizen and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and test matrices.
• Define objectives, success criteria, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate test activities with engineering, operations, logistics, and government stakeholders.
• Execute laboratory, ground, and flight testing of UAS/C-UAS technologies.
• Record performance data, anomalies, and test observations.
• Prepare test plans, procedures, reports, and Lessons Learned documents.
• Maintain test records and configuration documentation.
• Support government demonstrations and military exercises.

Skills

Test engineering

UAS/C-UAS

Robotics

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Power BI

Job description

Job Title

TEST ENGINEER-JOURNEYMAN

Location

Location

Category

Category

Job Type

Full-Time

Experience

Experienced (Non-Manager)

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Security Clearance Required

Secret

Job Description

Igniters operate in the world's most demanding environment. Igniters are self-motivated, mission-driven, and relentless in solving the Warriors' hardest problems. We move fast, think differently, and execute with precision to tackle high-stakes challenges across AI/ML, space and missile defense intelligence, EMSO, advanced analytics, and programmatic domains. As an employee-owned SDVOSB headquartered in Huntsville, AL, our team delivers mission-critical impact for the Army, Air Force, Space Force, MDA, NASA, DIA, and FBI.

Ignite exists to outpace the threat and deliver results that matter in the moments that count.

Ignite is currently seeking a driven, detail-oriented Test Engineer – Journeyman to join our team supporting Aviation and Missile Center UAS / C-UAS Proof of Concept Trial (PoC) in Huntsville, Alabama. This position is expected to be onsite with government clients. Some travel is required.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and test matrices.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, and measurable performance metrics.
• Coordinate test activities with engineering, operations, logistics, and government stakeholders.
• Identify required test resources, instrumentation, and support equipment
• Execute laboratory, ground, and flight testing of UAS and C-UAS technologies.
• Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Record system performance, observations, anomalies, and deficiencies during testing.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware, software, communications, and sensor issues encountered during testing.
• Collect telemetry, sensor, communications, and mission performance data.
• Analyze test results against operational requirements and performance objectives.
• Prepare test plans, procedures, reports, after action report, and Lessons Learned documentation.
• Maintain test records and configuration documentation.
• Support government demonstrations and military exercises.
• Coordinate with range personnel and flight operations teams.
• Follow applicable flight safety, range safety, and environmental procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, FAA, and customer testing requirements.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.
• 5-10 years of engineering or test experience supporting Department of Defense programs.
• Experience supporting developmental test (DT), operational test (OT), or technology demonstrations.
• Familiarity with UAS, C-UAS, robotics, autonomy, or ISR systems.
• Experience in preparing technical documentation and test reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to government facilities and test ranges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military test ranges and flight operations.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare, RF systems, radar, or tactical communications.
• Experience supporting AI/ML-enabled autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes and verification methodologies.
• Experience using data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Microsoft Power BI.
• Experience supporting developmental and operational testing for defense systems.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must have an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.

Other Requirements

Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and hold an active Security Clearance.

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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