Systems Test Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV is seeking an experienced Systems Test Engineer for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability opto-mechanical and electrical systems. The Systems Test Engineer is a key member of an integrated team operating in a very dynamic environment. The candidate will work across engineering disciplines to help define V&V statements, develop SW for automated tests and provide overall systems support for multiple programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical engineering and systems test background, with experience developing automated test solutions and verifying complex hardware and software interfaces. The engineer will plan and execute tests on opto-mechanical and electrical systems, harnesses, embedded electronics, and spacecraft communication interfaces, including SpaceWire and MIL-STD-1553. Position Responsibilities Design, develop, integrate, and maintain automated test equipment, including test hardware, instrumentation, software, fixtures, and interfaces Develop reusable and maintainable test automation frameworks using Python, LabVIEW, or comparable programming languages Automate functional, performance, regression, integration, and acceptance testing for spaceflight hardware Integrate automated test solutions with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, simulators, software-in-the-loop (SIL) environments, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems Develop automated test scripts and tools for command, telemetry, data logging, analysis, reporting, and test result evaluation Develop, debug, and execute tests for SpaceWire interfaces, including link initialization, data transfer, packet handling, error conditions, routing, timing, and interface performance Develop, debug, and execute tests for MIL-STD-1553 interfaces, including bus controller, remote terminal, and monitor functionality; command and response validation; error injection; timing; and bus performance Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for spaceflight hardware, ensuring all electrical components and systems meet functional and performance specifications Work closely with electrical design engineers, systems engineers, and software teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance Work with a multi-disciplinary team to achieve system test design automation, integration, SIL integration, and off-site tests Work with the Systems Team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology and execution Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and provide recommendations for design improvements to ensure product reliability and performance Support failure investigation, troubleshooting, and resolutions All other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics with 5 - 8 years of experience, or Master's degree in Engineering or Physics with 3 - 5 years of experience Experience developing and executing automated control and measurement systems using Python, LabVIEW, or equivalent tools Experience with automated test equipment, automated test software, or system test equipment Experience developing system-level test plans, test procedures, test scripts, and test reports Experience with system design, verification, and validation Demonstrated experience testing and troubleshooting SpaceWire and MIL-STD-1553 interfaces Experience with SPI and other embedded electronics communication protocols Experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, multimeters, and other electronic test equipment Experience analyzing test data and troubleshooting electrical, digital, embedded, and system-level issues Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware, such as NASA GEVS and MIL-STD-1540. experience with signal processing, data acquisition, or automated data analysis Must be a U.S. Citizen Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Experience developing automated System Test Equipment (STE) and reusable test automation frameworks Five or more years of experience performing environmental and system-level testing of spaceflight hardware Direct experience supporting flight programs for NASA, the U.S. Space Force, the Department of Defense, or major aerospace primes Experience serving as a Test Lead, Responsible Test Engineer, or equivalent technical lead on complex hardware programs Experience developing protocol-level test tools, simulators, traffic generators, or error-injection capabilities for SpaceWire or MIL-STD-1553 Experience with SpaceWire protocol analyzers, MIL-STD-1553 bus analyzers, interface simulators, or related test equipment Experience developing HIL and SIL test environments Experience integrating automated test systems with continuous integration or continuous test pipelines Experience with NI PXI, high-speed digitizers, oscilloscopes, switching systems, and instrumentation Experience with qualification and acceptance testing in accordance with NASA GEVS, U.S. Department of Defense environmental standards, or equivalent requirements Experience with vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, EMI/EMC, and acoustic testing of flight hardware Experience with root-cause failure analysis and anomaly resolution for high-reliability systems Experience with test database management, automated reporting, data visualization, or requirements management tools Experience with scripting, software development practices, version control, and code review Competencies Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and technicians. Strong electrical engineering, systems test, and troubleshooting skills. Demonstrated ability to develop reliable, maintainable, and reusable test automation. Working knowledge of digital communications interfaces and protocol-level verification. Ability to interpret electrical schematics, system architecture documents, interface control documents, requirements, and test specifications. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to isolate hardware, software, firmware, instrumentation, and test-environment issues. Ability to lead test activities and assume technical responsibility for assigned program elements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, technicians, suppliers, and customers. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Physical Demands Ability to work in an office, laboratory, and production environment (constant) This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and other equipment as needed. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $91,000 - $138,750 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: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. 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