Senior Engineer - Test Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job Description   AeroVironment Senior Test Systems Engineer Location: San Diego, CA | Team: Hardware Engineering — Counter-UAS (Titan Program) Type: Full-time, On-site About the Role AeroVironment is seeking a Senior Test Systems Engineer to design, build, and maintain the test infrastructure that validates our Counter-UAS RF hardware from prototype through volume production. You will own the automated test equipment (ATE), acceptance test procedures (ATPs), and data pipelines that ensure every unit meets IPC Class 3 and MIL-spec quality standards. This role sits at the intersection of RF/hardware engineering, test automation, and production—working closely with design engineers, firmware, and our contract manufacturer to drive yield, reduce escapes, and scale throughput. Responsibilities • Architect and develop automated test systems for RF front-end, PCB assembly, and integrated subsystem validation (S-parameter sweeps, power/gain verification, functional test). • Write, execute, and maintain acceptance test procedures (ATPs) and manufacturing test documentation to MIL-spec and IPC Class 3 requirements. • Build test automation software and data-acquisition frameworks (Python, LabVIEW) for benchtop and production-line stations. • Develop test fixtures, interface boards, and calibration methods for RF and mixed-signal hardware. • Analyze production test data to identify outliers, characterize yield, and drive corrective action across design and manufacturing. • Partner with contract manufacturers to transfer test processes, qualify stations, and support production ramp. • Support environmental and reliability testing (MIL-STD-810H temperature, vibration, etc.). • Collaborate cross-functionally with RF design, firmware, and production engineering to resolve test failures and design-for-test issues. • Coordinate with quality team to identify possible quality escapes and non-conformities identified through testing. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. • 5+ years of experience in test systems engineering for electronic hardware, preferably RF/microwave. • Hands-on experience with RF test instrumentation (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters). • Proficiency in test automation programming (Python, LabVIEW, and/or similar languages/tools). • Working knowledge of IPC Class 3 and MIL-spec manufacturing/test standards. • Strong data analysis skills for yield and test-coverage evaluation. • U.S. Person status required (ITAR-controlled program). Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline. • Experience with Counter-UAS, radar, EW, or defense RF systems. • Familiarity with test process transfer to contract manufacturers. • Experience with environmental/reliability testing (MIL-STD-810). • Design-for-test (DFT) and fixture design experience. Clearance Level   No Clearance …