Environmental System Test Engineer II

About the role

The Environmental System Test Engineer II 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.

Responsibilities

• Support Environmental test and evaluation of subsystem, model-scale, and full scale testing
• Determine and communicate subsystem, system, and environmental test objectives
• Develop test cards to verify that those objectives are met
• Review System Requirement documents to help ensure requirements are concise and testable
• Participate in test and environmental readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefings
• Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and software, developing test cards and procedures, and maintaining test equipment
• Process and analyze test data to determine test results. Analyze large test datasets 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
• Summarize test activities and results in reports
• Determine regression test requirements based on specific subsystem modifications. Develop ad hoc tests to troubleshoot test failures
• Responsible for estimating time required to conduct testing and completing assigned tasks within project schedule
• Work with outside test labs and assist during testing when required
• Receives general instructions on routine work and more detailed instructions on new projects. Works within specific requirements to complete tasks under moderate supervision
• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Contributes to meeting project cost and schedule
• Applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues. Typically performs multiple tasks on one project. Completes tasks within schedule and budget
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline (Software, Systems, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• A minimum of 2–5 years’ experience in related industry or projects that include conducting environmental or system tests
• Experience with scripting and programming languages to automate testing is a plus
• Position requires 10–30% travel within the Continental U.S.

Qualifications

• A relevant master’s or doctoral degree in a related discipline is preferred
• Work with product development engineers to derive environmental test requirements based on product specifications and modifications
• Has willingness to learn and expand technical understanding of wind tunnel test techniques and measurement systems
• 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
• 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
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and strong communication skills
• Focused on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests
• Demonstrates ability to work well with others across disciplines

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)

Clearance

Secret clearance required.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $82,000 – $125,000. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown

ITAR Requirements

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency. A “U.S. person” per ITAR 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 require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. Any job offer requiring export license approval will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it can obtain the license within a time frame consistent with business requirements.

About the Company

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.