Position: Test Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL

Company Overview

At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we’re at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American-owned, with all design, engineering, and manufacturing of our products taking place domestically.

Position Overview

PDW seeks a skilled Test Engineer to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating within a multi-disciplinary team and possess experience in verification and validation protocols at all levels of system design from component acceptance through full system lifecycle testing.

The candidate will use their expertise in component level, subsystem, and system level test and analysis to support multidisciplinary teams of engineers as they design and build the next generation of American sUAS. This role will support the engineering department in developing and executing test plans across multiple engineering disciplines and product lines within PDW’s product catalog.

Core Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, be able to deal with problems on the fly and deliver thoughtfully designed and highly adaptable systems.

• The candidate works with the functional engineering and production groups to ensure user requirements are correctly understood and translated into clear verification and validation test mechanisms.
• Coordinates inspection, test, and qualification criteria using system and component requirements as a basis.
• Coordinates and delivers engineering procedures for system verification testing (both bench testing and in-flight), and subsystem and component acceptance testing.
• Supports and facilitates test reviews and data analysis across multiple engineering departments, manufacturing operations, and product development teams.
• Coordinates or directly performs test protocols ranging from individual components to system validation flight tests.
• Supports failure and root-cause analyses through repeated testing and data analysis.
• Creates and executes system validation plans at all levels of design from prototype to sustainment.
• Supports system-level integration in parallel with engineering and manufacturing leadership.
• Supports the development of standardized test tools and jigs in partnership with mechanical, hardware, and manufacturing experts on staff.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of experience testing and developing complex systems.
• Experience in developing and executing system-level verification and validation
• Experience with acceptance testing and quality procedures in electromechanical systems
• Experience in the aviation system or UAS is a plus
• Experience in test data analysis
• Experience performing formal root-cause analyses on complex systems
• Experience developing strong verification and validation test protocols
• Ability to extrapolate test protocols to simulate anticipated lifetime product usage and support mean time failure (MTF) type component studies.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Experience with DoD projects, design reviews, and test processes
• Flexible mindset and ability to adapt as situations require
• Ability to creatively solve problems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required

Professional Experience Requirements:

• 3 or more years of relevant system test experience with a focus on mechanical engineering with at least 2 years of product development and test or similar military experience.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Equity participation.
• A relaxed work environment that encourages individuality and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Commitment to Inclusivity

PDW is an equal-opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to make an impact in a company that’s shaping the future of defense technology? Apply now and propel your career to new heights with PDW.