**Worker Type** Regular **Job Description** **Summary** The **Sr. Staff System Test Engineer** 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 and lead developmental test and evaluation of sub-system, model-scale, and full scale testing. Assist the Flight Test Director during flight tests + 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 + Lead and participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs + Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including the 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 + Develop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles and their associated subsystems, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test results + 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 + Demonstrates good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action + Work with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modifications + Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others on the team + Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles + 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 + Minimum of 12 - 15 years’ experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight tests + Is effective in conversing technically with experts in the fields of test instrumentation and data acquisition + Skilled at documenting test plans, procedures, and reports; verbally directing UAV Operators and Observers during flight tests; capturing system test requirements; recording test failures and reporting test results + Position requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S. **Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies** + Advanced degree in related discipline is preferred + Experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferred + Experience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficial + Willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems + 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 + Has 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 + Works well with others across disciplines and has strong leadership skills **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) The salary range for this role is: $136,807 - $194,040 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. **ITAR Requirement:** _T_ _his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements._ **Benefits** : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits . We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. **Who We Are** Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed. **What We Do** Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. _We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status._ **ITAR** U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance. **ABOUT US** At AeroVironment, our purpose is to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. Our solutions give our customers a fresh vantage point, positioning them to see the world with new eyes and extending their reach beyond the line of sight. That is the power of our breakthrough unmanned aircraft systems, perfected and refined over a half century. Whether they are warfighters searching for an enemy, border patrol agents searching for people in need of assistance, or telecom providers linking millions to the digital economy, our customers choose AeroVironment because our systems generate actionable intelligence reliably, creating a path to goals that would otherwise be unattainable. **Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)**