Systems Integration and Test Engineer

$75,000 - $75,000/Yr

Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Blacksburg, VA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Systems Integration and Test Engineer role at Virginia Tech's Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) focuses on supporting uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Counter UAS (C-UAS) research and testing. The engineer will act as a technical expert, facilitating the integration of complex systems, developing test procedures, conducting tests, and reporting results. This position requires a self-motivated team player capable of managing UAS field operations and interacting with various stakeholders while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the preparation and execution of C-UAS research.
• Serve as a technical expert in uncrewed/autonomous systems.
• Integrate new technologies and capabilities for UAS operations and C-UAS testing.
• Develop test procedures and instrumentation.
• Conduct tests and report test results.
• Prepare test plans to meet customer requirements and address safety, regulatory, and technological considerations.
• Analyze test data and produce test reports.
• Operate aircraft and supporting C-UAS test equipment during test execution.
• Manage aircraft configuration and airworthiness prior to and during flight testing.
• Coordinate regularly with internal program managers, operations team, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or closely related technical field (or a bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience).
• Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing.
• Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking.
• Ability to lift items up to 25 lbs and operate independently.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Good communication skills.
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Nice-to-haves

• Prior aviation and/or UAS experience.
• Experience with C-UAS systems.
• Department of Defense experience.
• FAA Part 107 certification.
• Software and programming experience (Python, Mavlink, multi-threaded programming, ROS, etc.).
• Application design and interfacing experience (REST APIs, pub/sub protocols, etc.).
• Experience with autonomous systems.
• UAS design and construction experience.
• Proficient RC flying skills.
• Experience working with aviation safety.
• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $75,000.
• Opportunities for professional development.