Senior Test Engineer, Autonomous UAS Systems

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.Job SummaryBattelle is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Autonomous sUAS Systems to provide technical leadership in the development, integration, verification, and operational testing of advanced autonomous unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) supporting national security, defense, and emerging technology programs. This position can operate from our Beavercreek/WPAFB offices or Columbus.In this role, you will lead complex test initiatives across software, hardware, autonomy, communications, and mission systems. You will be responsible for developing test strategies, directing flight and field test campaigns, assessing mission effectiveness, and ensuring autonomous capabilities meet customer requirements and operational objectives.The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with autonomous systems, aerospace testing, or defense platforms and is capable of guiding multidisciplinary teams through challenging technical problems while shaping the future of autonomous mission capabilities. Join Battelle and lead the testing and evaluation of next-generation autonomous sUAS technologies that enable mission success in the world's most demanding operational environments.ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Test StrategyLead the planning, execution, and oversight of verification, validation, and operational testing for autonomous sUAS platforms and mission payloads.Develop comprehensive test strategies that align technical requirements with mission objectives and customer expectations.Establish test architectures, success criteria, performance metrics, and risk mitigation plans.Serve as the primary technical lead for major test events and developmental flight campaigns.Identify technical risks and develop corrective action plans to ensure successful program execution.Autonomous Systems EvaluationEvaluate and validate advanced autonomous capabilities including: GPS-denied navigation, Sensor fusion and perception systems, Target detection and tracking, Multi-agent and swarm autonomy, AI/ML-enabled decision-making, Collaborative mission execution, Dynamic mission replanning and resilience.Lead root-cause investigations of complex system failures and performance anomalies.Assess autonomy performance in contested, degraded, and operationally representative environments.Flight Test & Operational DemonstrationsDirect flight-test planning, execution, safety reviews, and post-flight assessments.Lead technical execution at government ranges, customer facilities, and operational test environments.Coordinate with pilots, range personnel, systems engineers, operators, and government stakeholders.Support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, and technology transition activities.Ensure mission readiness and test execution aligns with safety and regulatory requirements.Test Automation & Digital EngineeringLead development of automated test frameworks and continuous integration/continuous testing methodologies.Guide implementation of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and digital engineering environments.Develop data-driven approaches to system performance assessment and operational readiness evaluation.Drive innovation in automated verification and validation processes.Systems Integration & Program SupportCollaborate closely with software, autonomy, RF, cybersecurity, systems, and hardware engineering teams.Influence system design through early test involvement and engineering feedback.Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and customer engagements.Support proposal development, technical planning, and future capability roadmaps.Serve as a trusted advisor on test engineering best practices.Mentorship & Technical ExcellenceMentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers.Establish testing standards, methodologies, and engineering best practices.Lead technical reviews and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving activities.Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and mission success.Key QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.8+ years of experience in test engineering, systems integration, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, robotics, defense systems, or related technical fields.Demonstrated experience developing and leading verification and validation efforts for complex integrated systems.Experience designing and executing flight tests, system integration testing, or operational evaluations.Proficiency with Python, C++, MATLAB, or other technical computing tools.Experience with data analysis, telemetry evaluation, and technical reporting.Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and requirements verification methodologies.Ability to travel up to 45 % in support of customer engagements and testing activities.Active Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred.Preferred QualificationsExperience supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, DARPA, or national security programs.Hands-on experience with autonomous aerial systems and advanced robotics platforms.Expertise with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, AirSim, or comparable autonomy ecosystems.Experience evaluating AI/ML-enabled autonomy and machine perception systems.Strong understanding of RF communications, tactical networks, software-defined radios, GPS/GNSS-denied operations, and secure communications architectures.Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.Familiarity with MOSA/Open Architecture frameworks and DoD acquisition processes.FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.Experience supporting military flight test programs or operational experimentation events.Active Secret Security Clearance required; Top Secret clearance preferred.Recognized technical expertise in autonomous systems, aerospace testing, or mission system validation.Demonstrated ability to lead highly complex technical efforts with minimal oversight.Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills.Ability to influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.Passion for advancing next-generation autonomous technologies in support of critical national security missions.Compensation DataBattelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $135,000 – $175,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.Benefits: Live an Extraordinary LifeWe care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.A Work Environment Where You SucceedFor brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discoveryPartner with world-class experts in a collaborative environmentNurture and develop the next generation of scientific leadersGive back to and improve our communitiesVaccinations & Safety ProtocolsBattelle 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 and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state 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 (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.For more information about our other openings, please visit Job SummaryJob number: 76441Profession: Engineering