Careers at Virginia Tech

Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is seeking qualified applicants with experience in engineering disciplines relevant to uncrewed/autonomous systems to serve as a Systems Integration and Test Engineer in support of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Counter UAS (C-UAS) research and testing. This role facilitates the preparation and execution of C-UAS research by serving as a technical expert in their field, facilitating the integration of complex systems, developing test procedures and instrumentation, conducting tests, and reporting test results. Successful applicants will be able to support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C-UAS research, with preference given to candidates who have uncrewed/autonomous systems and C-UAS engineering experience.

The Systems Integration and Test Engineer must be a self-motivated team player who can take on and effectively execute a broad set of tasks. The position may receive tasking from the flight operations and engineering team leads and will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound decision-making and problem-solving skills while interacting with internal and external Test Site users and partners. The incumbent should be able to independently and effectively manage UAS field operations in diverse field environments. This position will be expected to lift, carry, move, load/unload equipment and field supplies of up to 25 pounds; possess a safe driving record to drive a government vehicle, ability to work outside in environmental conditions for up to 10 hours, as well as the ability to walk minimum 2 miles and traverse uneven terrain. This position also involves fine manipulation of UAS equipment and parts. Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidate must be a U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Additional duties that may be assigned to the incumbent (depending upon qualifications) include:
• Integration of new technologies and capabilities, including the design of systems of systems to support UAS operations and C-UAS testing and evaluation
• Software programming and design in support of expanding UAS capabilities
• Information technology and networking tasks
• Design of instrumentation and data collection during testing
• Preparation of test plans to meet customer requirements and address safety, regulatory, and technological considerations
• Analysis of test data and production of test reports
• Operation of aircraft and supporting C-UAS test equipment during test execution
• Participation in training, demonstrations, and educational activities
• Management of aircraft configuration and airworthiness prior to and during flight testing
• Regular coordination with internal program managers, operations team, and external stakeholders

• Master’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or closely related technical field. An exception may be made for individuals with bachelor’s degree in related field and with significant relevant experience.
• Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing
• Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking
• Applicant must be able to lift items (25 lbs) and operate independently
• Applicant must possess a valid driver's license.
• Good communication skills
• U.S. citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

• Prior aviation and/or UAS experience
• Experience with C-UAS systems
• Department of Defense experience
• FAA Part 107
• Software and programming experience (Python, Mavlink, multi-threaded programming, ROS, etc.)
• Application design and interfacing experience (REST APIs, pub/sub protocols, etc.)
• Experience with autonomous systems
• UAS design and construction experience
• Proficient RC flying skills
• Experience working with aviation safety
• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Restricted

Commensurate with experience, starting at $75,000

9/19/2024

The successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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