TEST ENGINEER

About the Role

Igniters operate in the world’s most demanding environment. As an employee-owned SDVOSB headquartered in Huntsville, AL, our team delivers mission-critical impact for the Army, Air Force, Space Force, MDA, NASA, DIA, and FBI. We move fast, think differently, and execute with precision to tackle high-stakes challenges across AI/ML, space and missile defense intelligence, EMSO, advanced analytics, and programmatic domains. This position supports Aviation and Missile Center UAS / C-UAS Proof of Concept Trial (PoC) in Huntsville, Alabama and is expected to be onsite with government clients. Some travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and test matrices.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, and measurable performance metrics.
• Coordinate test activities with engineering, operations, logistics, and government stakeholders.
• Identify required test resources, instrumentation, and support equipment.
• Execute laboratory, ground, and flight testing of UAS and C-UAS technologies.
• Monitor test execution to ensure adherence to approved procedures and safety requirements.
• Record system performance, observations, anomalies, and deficiencies during testing.
• Assist with troubleshooting hardware, software, communications, and sensor issues encountered during testing.
• Collect telemetry, sensor, communications, and mission performance data.
• Analyze test results against operational requirements and performance objectives.
• Prepare test plans, procedures, reports, after action report, and Lessons Learned documentation.
• Maintain test records and configuration documentation.
• Support government demonstrations and military exercises.
• Coordinate with range personnel and flight operations teams.
• Monitor system performance during operational scenarios.
• Follow applicable flight safety, range safety, and environmental procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, FAA, and customer testing requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Aviation, or a related technical discipline.
• 5–10 years of engineering or test experience supporting Department of Defense programs.
• Experience supporting developmental test (DT), operational test (OT), or technology demonstrations.
• Familiarity with UAS, C-UAS, robotics, autonomy, or ISR systems.
• Experience in preparing technical documentation and test reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel to government facilities and test ranges.
• Must be a US citizen and be able to obtain and hold an active Security Clearance.
• Must have an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with military test ranges and flight operations.
• Familiarity with electronic warfare, RF systems, radar, or tactical communications.
• Experience supporting AI/ML-enabled autonomous systems.
• Knowledge of systems engineering processes and verification methodologies.
• Experience using data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Microsoft Power BI.
• Experience supporting developmental and operational testing for defense systems.