Battelle
Systems Test Engineer (Autonomous sUAS)
– Battelle
Job Summary We are seeking a mission‑driven
Autonomous sUAS System Test Engineer
to support the development and validation of cutting‑edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defense and national security applications. This role involves rigorous testing of autonomous drone platforms in simulated and real‑world environments to ensure operational readiness, mission reliability, and compliance with military standards.
Responsibilities
Design and execute test plans for autonomous drone systems used in defense missions, including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), logistics, and tactical operations.
Conduct lab and field testing to validate autonomous behaviors such as waypoint navigation, target tracking, threat avoidance, and swarm coordination.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (software, hardware, systems, and mission planning) to identify and resolve performance issues.
Develop automated test frameworks and simulation environments to support MIL‑STD and DoD compliance testing.
Analyze telemetry and sensor data to assess system performance under various operational conditions.
Support flight test campaigns at military ranges and restricted airspace, including pre‑flight checks, mission execution, and post‑flight analysis.
Ensure adherence to cybersecurity protocols and secure communications standards.
Maintain detailed documentation for test procedures, results, and system configurations in accordance with defense audit requirements.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
3+ years of experience testing autonomous systems, preferably in defense or aerospace environments.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition lifecycle, MIL‑STD testing protocols, and defense system certification processes.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
Experience with UAS platforms, flight controllers (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot), and simulation tools (e.g., ROS, Gazebo).
Strong understanding of RF communications, GPS/INS systems, and secure data links.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience supporting DoD programs or working with defense contractors.
Knowledge of autonomous mission planning, AI/ML integration, and multi‑agent coordination.
FAA Part 107 certification or military flight operations experience.
Familiarity with STANAG standards and NATO interoperability requirements.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and defense‑sector benefits.
Opportunities to work on classified and high‑impact national security projects.
Access to advanced testing facilities and restricted airspace.
A collaborative environment with top‑tier engineers and defense experts.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
Compressed work schedule with every other Friday off.
Hybrid work model allowing 60% in‑office and 40% remote.
Paid time off to support work‑life balance.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives.
Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care, and family formation support.
Industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with 5% company match.
Tuition assistance for higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects.
Receive funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery.
Collaborate with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment.
Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.
Give back to and improve our communities.
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements, to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment. Documentation of full vaccination may be required. Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs under applicable laws.
Battelle is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Quality Assurance
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Biotechnology Research
#J-18808-Ljbffr
– Battelle
Job Summary We are seeking a mission‑driven
Autonomous sUAS System Test Engineer
to support the development and validation of cutting‑edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defense and national security applications. This role involves rigorous testing of autonomous drone platforms in simulated and real‑world environments to ensure operational readiness, mission reliability, and compliance with military standards.
Responsibilities
Design and execute test plans for autonomous drone systems used in defense missions, including ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), logistics, and tactical operations.
Conduct lab and field testing to validate autonomous behaviors such as waypoint navigation, target tracking, threat avoidance, and swarm coordination.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (software, hardware, systems, and mission planning) to identify and resolve performance issues.
Develop automated test frameworks and simulation environments to support MIL‑STD and DoD compliance testing.
Analyze telemetry and sensor data to assess system performance under various operational conditions.
Support flight test campaigns at military ranges and restricted airspace, including pre‑flight checks, mission execution, and post‑flight analysis.
Ensure adherence to cybersecurity protocols and secure communications standards.
Maintain detailed documentation for test procedures, results, and system configurations in accordance with defense audit requirements.
Key Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field.
3+ years of experience testing autonomous systems, preferably in defense or aerospace environments.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition lifecycle, MIL‑STD testing protocols, and defense system certification processes.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
Experience with UAS platforms, flight controllers (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot), and simulation tools (e.g., ROS, Gazebo).
Strong understanding of RF communications, GPS/INS systems, and secure data links.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience supporting DoD programs or working with defense contractors.
Knowledge of autonomous mission planning, AI/ML integration, and multi‑agent coordination.
FAA Part 107 certification or military flight operations experience.
Familiarity with STANAG standards and NATO interoperability requirements.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation and defense‑sector benefits.
Opportunities to work on classified and high‑impact national security projects.
Access to advanced testing facilities and restricted airspace.
A collaborative environment with top‑tier engineers and defense experts.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
Compressed work schedule with every other Friday off.
Hybrid work model allowing 60% in‑office and 40% remote.
Paid time off to support work‑life balance.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives.
Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care, and family formation support.
Industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan with 5% company match.
Tuition assistance for higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects.
Receive funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery.
Collaborate with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment.
Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders.
Give back to and improve our communities.
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements, to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment. Documentation of full vaccination may be required. Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs under applicable laws.
Battelle is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. We support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Quality Assurance
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Biotechnology Research
#J-18808-Ljbffr