Optical Test Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

AV is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems.

The Test Engineer is a key member of an integrated team operating in a very dynamic environment. The candidate will work across engineering disciplines to help define V&V statements, develop SW for automated tests and provide overall systems support for multiple programs.

The ideal candidate will have strong optics background as well as hands-on experience with optical tests, optical test benches, autocollimators, vibration tables, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, Cleanrooms, and spaceflight hardware.

On any given day the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

• Work within the systems test team to refine System/Subsystem requirement verification statements and verification cross-reference matrices to ensure the requirements are testable.
• Develop, document, and execute test plans and procedures for optical and opto-mechanical spaceflight components.
• perform alignment, calibration, and verification testing of lenses, mirrors, beam paths, and sensor systems.
• Implement test setups, including selection and integration of optical test equipment (interferometers, collimators, beam profilers, spectrometers, etc.).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute tests (optical, vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.) for spaceflight components and systems according to industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and design hardware and software for automated test equipment as well as supporting existing systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and technicians.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team to achieve system test design automation, integration, SIL integration, and off-site tests.
• Work with the Systems Team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology and execution.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and provide recommendations for design improvements to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Support failure investigation, troubleshooting, and resolutions.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8 years related experience.
• Proficiency in using optical test equipment (e.g., interferometers, alignment scopes, cameras, light sources, etc.).
• Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, etc..).
• Experience in automated control and measurement systems.
• Experience in System design, Verification, and Validation.
• Experience testing performance of systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience developing integration and test plans/procedures and reports.
• Experience in signal processing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in optical testing, preferably in a spaceflight or high-reliability environment.
• Hands-on experience in conducting environmental tests for spaceflight hardware or satellite systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Python, and JAVA.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to assume technical responsibility for pieces of a program or multiple programs.

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$112,500 - $159,600

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 required