Developmental Test Engineer

Title: Developmental Test Engineer Location: San Luis Obispo, California

As our programs scale, so does the need for disciplined, repeatable developmental testing. We are seeking a Developmental Test Engineer to plan and execute ground-based developmental tests that mature our designs, identify design deficiencies early, and reduce technical risk before systems enter flight test.

This role is hands-on and execution-focused, supporting component, subsystem, and system-level testing of advanced counter-UAS and missile systems for U.S. Department of Defense programs. The Developmental Test Engineer works closely with design engineering to turn test data into design improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop test plans and procedures for component, subsystem, and system-level developmental testing across functional, structural, dynamic, and environmental domains.

• Design and build test setups, including fixtures, harnessing, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.

• Execute tests safely and efficiently in the lab and at external test facilities.

• Reduce and analyze test data; identify design deficiencies, failure modes, and performance margins.

• Investigate anomalies and failures, support root cause analysis, and recommend design changes.

• Partner with design and systems engineering to translate requirements and risks into executable test campaigns.

• Author test reports and present findings and residual risk to engineering and program stakeholders.

• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and maintain test configuration and data integrity.

• Help evolve test infrastructure, tooling, instrumentation, and automation capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in developmental, qualification, or laboratory testing of aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware.

• Skills:

• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation (strain gauges, accelerometers, load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers).

• Experience with data acquisition systems and software (e.g., NI/LabVIEW, DEWESoft).

• Programming or scripting for data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

• Solid understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems.

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

• U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with MIL-STD-810 environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal).

• Experience testing missile systems, guided munitions, or UAS.

• Experience with test automation and test fixture design.

• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain.

Level III: 119,000 - $160,000

Level IV: $155,000 - $194,000

Level V: $178,000 - $210,000