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 testsDetermine and communicate subsystem, system and flight test objectives. Develop test cards to verify that those objectives are metReview System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testableLead and participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefsEnsure test assets are prepared to support testing, including the proper configuration of product hardware and software, writing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipmentProcess 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 databaseDevelop System Test Plans, for small unmanned air vehicles and missiles and their associated subsystems, execute simulator and flight tests, and document test resultsResponsible for estimating time required to conduct testing and completing assigned tasks within project scheduleWork with outside test labs and assist technicians during testing when requiredDemonstrates good judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actionWork with product development engineers to derive test requirements based on product specifications and modificationsActs independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments. May supervise the activities of others on the teamWorks on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangiblesOther 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 experienceMinimum of 12 - 15 years’ experience in related industry or projects that include conducting system or flight testsIs effective in conversing technically with experts in the fields of test instrumentation and data acquisitionSkilled 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 resultsPosition requires 10-30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Advanced degree in related discipline is preferredExperience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is preferredExperience as a pilot or aircrew member would be beneficialWillingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systemsAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and strong communication skillsFocuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interestsWorks 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:

This 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.