System Test Engineer II

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Summary
The LMS HIL/SIL System Test Engineer II is an experienced individual contributor within the Loitering Munition Systems (LMS) and Unmanned Systems domain, with strong knowledge of hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL), software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) environments, and system‑level verification and validation. Operating in a fast‑paced and highly collaborative organization, this role is responsible for planning, executing, analyzing, and documenting HIL and SIL system tests that validate software, firmware, and hardware integration for LMS products. The LMS HIL/SIL System Test Engineer II supports the tactical and strategic technology roadmap by ensuring comprehensive test coverage, verifying and validating system requirements, identifying defects early, and helping drive system quality and reliability in a competitive market space.

Position Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and execute HIL and SIL system test campaigns for LMS products, including test procedures, scripts, configurations, and data collection.
• Configure and operate HIL test benches and SIL environments, including integration of avionics, payloads, ground control systems (GCS), and simulation/stimulation equipment.
• Develop and maintain test cases, test procedures, and test reports to verify and validate system requirements and interfaces.
• Ensure requirements traceability by linking system requirements to HIL/SIL test cases, test procedures, and documented results within the appropriate toolset.
• Analyze test results and logs from HIL and SIL runs, perform root cause analysis of system issues, and work closely with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams to resolve defects.
• Support the development and improvement of HIL and SIL test frameworks, automation, and toolchains to increase coverage, repeatability, and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts and utilities using common scripting/programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, C#).
• Conduct structured data debriefings and technical reviews for key stakeholders (e.g., Chief Engineer, Program Manager, Lead Engineer), clearly summarizing test results, requirement verification/validation status, risks, and recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior test engineers and technicians working in the HIL/SIL environments.
• Ensure test activities follow established processes, safety protocols, and configuration management practices.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Systems, Software, Hardware, Safety, and Program Management) to ensure test readiness, clear defect communication, and alignment with program schedules.
• Participate in design, requirements, and test readiness reviews, providing input on testability, system behavior, and risk areas.
• Maintain a high level of internal customer satisfaction by delivering clear status, timely defect reporting, and high‑quality test artifacts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• BS degree in Engineering (e.g., Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Systems, or related field) or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Typically 3–5 years of experience in system, integration, or HIL/SIL test engineering, preferably on embedded or unmanned systems.
• Hands‑on experience with HIL or SIL environments (e.g., real‑time simulators, virtual platforms, stimulus/response rigs, avionics benches, or similar).
• Experience developing and executing formal test procedures, documenting results, and raising/triaging defects.
• Demonstrated experience verifying and validating system and subsystem requirements through structured test campaigns.
• Familiarity with requirements management and traceability, including linking requirements to verification methods and test results.
• Experience working with system‑level interfaces and protocols (e.g., serial, Ethernet, CAN, MIL‑STD‑1553, or similar).
• Ability to analyze logs and test data from HIL/SIL, identify anomalies, and communicate findings clearly to engineering teams.
• Strong scripting and programming skills for test automation and tool development; experience with Python is preferred, with additional experience in C/C++ and/or C# highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present clear, data‑driven test summaries and hold technical debriefs with engineering and program leadership.
• Ability to provide regular status updates on test progress, requirement verification/validation, defect trends, and risk areas to leads and project managers.
• U.S. Person status may be required as needed for program and regulatory requirements.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• MS degree in a related engineering discipline is a plus.
• Experience with unmanned systems, guided munitions, or aerospace/defense systems is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with safety‑critical testing practices and ensuring personnel and equipment safety within a lab/HIL/SIL environment.
• Experience with configuration management, requirements, and defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Polarion, DOORS, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, concise technical documentation, including test procedures, test cases, and reports.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to evaluate system performance, identify thresholds, and provide data‑driven recommendations.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and maintain professional working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple test activities, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing program priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and lab/test environment (Constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, test equipment, and keyboard (Frequent).

Clearance Level

 

Secret

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.

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:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.