Principal System Test Engineer

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Principal System Test Engineer to join the world-class team developing our autonomous small unmanned aerial systems platforms. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating within a multi-disciplinary team and lead the test team with their experience and execution of verification and validation protocols at all levels of system design from component acceptance up through full system lifecycle testing.

The Principal System Test Engineer will execute the roadmap for system test programs, conduct system level testing, root cause analyses, and improve on policies and procedures for the test department. 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 test engineering department in developing and executing test plans across multiple engineering disciplines and products lines within PDW’s product catalogue. We are looking for someone who thrives in an innovative and fast-paced environment, can tackle challenges as they arise, and is committed to delivering highly capable and reliable systems.

What You’ll Do

Plan, lead, and execute test activities ranging from component verification and validation to extended multi-hour flight tests

Coordinate and author engineering documentation around system validation and verification testing (both lab testing and in-flight), subsystem functional testing, component acceptance testing, and test protocols designed to validate products across their life cycle.

Translate user and system requirements into clear, traceable verification and validation strategies

Champion and facilitate test methodology implementation across multiple engineering departments and manufacturing operations.

Author and oversee test plans, procedures, reports, and protocols for lab, ground, and flight testing

Serve as the technical interface for system-level validation and verification activities

Develop testing schedule and execute test campaigns in coordination across multiple teams

Lead test readiness reviews, data analysis, and cross-functional test reviews

Conduct failure investigations and root-cause analyses using structured test and data analysis approaches

Partner with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to design test tools, fixtures, and jigs

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field

8+ years of experience testing and developing complex systems (UAS or aviation systems preferred)

Experience developing and executing system-level verification and validation plans

Ability to obtain and maintain US DOD Secret Security Clearance

Familiarity with acceptance testing and quality processes in mechanical or hardware systems

Experience analyzing test data using tools such as MATLAB

Experience performing structured root-cause analyses

Ability to design tests that simulate operational and lifetime stressors

Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering teams

Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Preferred

Experience with aviation or unmanned systems strongly preferred

Familiarity with DoD design review processes

At least 5 years of product development and test experience, preferably in sUAS systems, embedded software or electrical systems

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as lab equipment. Must be physically capable of operation of small tablet (GCS), manipulation of tight-tolerance technologies, use of hand tools and lab equipment.

Work Environment

This position operates in a mix of standard office setting, manufacturing environment, lab, sUAS flight line, and travel for diverse terrain testing. This role requires use of standard office equipment, hand tools, power tools, custom test apparatus, lab equipment, tight-tolerance high-sensitivity electrical and mechanical hardware, and may require occasional travel to various testing facilities to perform validation testing. This position will have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. Will require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8am-5pm M-F with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

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.

Paid Parental Leave.

On-site gym.

Employer provided life insurance.

Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.

Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.