Test & Validation Engineer (Motor Systems)

About the role

The Test & Validation Engineer at Unusual Machines is responsible for defining and executing structured test programs for motor systems. This includes dynamometer characterization, endurance testing, environmental exposure, and real-world use conditions. The role involves generating clear evidence of performance and reliability, investigating failures, and working with the engineering team to turn test findings into practical design improvements.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute validation plans to prove performance, durability, and design compliance.
• Run dyno testing and characterize core motor performance including torque, speed, efficiency, and thermal behavior.
• Design and execute accelerated endurance testing to validate lifetime targets.
• Perform environmental testing such as ingress protection, thermal cycling, vibration, and corrosion or salt spray exposure.
• Support customer flight trials and gather real-world performance data and feedback.
• Analyse test results, identify failure modes, and drive design improvements with engineering teams.
• Help establish repeatable test methods, fixtures, reporting formats, and validation discipline as the factory scales.

Requirements

3-5 years hands-on Industry experience with mechanical or electromechanical testing and validation. Experience running structured test programs including dyno, endurance, or environmental testing. Strong understanding of failure modes in mechanical or rotating systems. Ability to interpret data and translate results into practical design improvements. Practical, problem-solving mindset with strong execution in lab and prototype environments.

Qualifications

Nice to have: Experience with electric motors, UAV systems, or rotating machinery. Familiarity with environmental testing standards including ingress protection, vibration, and thermal cycling. Experience with accelerated life testing and test automation. Experience building instrumentation, fixtures, or data capture workflows for engineering validation.

Skills

Hands-on mechanical or electromechanical testing and validation experience. Strong understanding of failure modes in mechanical or rotating systems. Data interpretation and practical design improvement skills. Problem-solving mindset with strong execution in lab and prototype environments. Experience with electric motors, UAV systems, or rotating machinery. Familiarity with environmental testing standards including ingress protection, vibration, and thermal cycling. Experience with accelerated life testing and test automation. Experience building instrumentation, fixtures, or data capture workflows for engineering validation.

Benefits

• Equity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Daily Catered Lunches

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD