Systems Test Engineer (Autonomous sUAS)

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 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** We 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 Succeed** For 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 discovery + Partner 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 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