Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) plays a crucial role in advancing UAS integration into the airspace and adoption by industry. We are in the unique position of leading both an FAA designated UAS Test Site and a highly productive team in the FAA Beyond Program. Through those programs and others, we blaze new ground for advanced UAS operations daily through innovative research and testing, and we have built a track record of conducting first‑of‑their‑kind operations that move the industry forward.

Our experienced team works closely with industry and government stakeholders to enable new applications for drones such as package delivery, damage assessment, and infrastructure inspection; through that work, we have pioneered a risk‑based safety case development process that is rapidly becoming an industry standard. Because we are part of Virginia Tech, all staff enjoy the university’s benefits package as well as the many advantages of living in Blacksburg, Virginia, recognized by the Livability Journal as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live.

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 UAS research by serving as a technical expert in the field, facilitating integration of complex systems, developing test procedures and instrumentation, conducting tests, and reporting test results.

Successful applicants will support a diverse array of tasks related to UAS and C‑UAS research, with preference given to those with uncrewed/autonomous system 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 tasks from engineering team and flight operations team leaders and will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

• Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or closely related technical field. An exception may be made for individuals with significant relevant experience.
• Experience with engineering research and/or flight testing, preferably related to C‑UAS systems.
• Experience with computer hardware, software, and/or networking.
• Good communication skills.
• Position is restricted to a U.S. citizen due to project restrictions.
• Must have a good driving record and be able to lift/move/carry equipment over 25 pounds, work in outdoor elements, traverse uneven terrain, and spend considerable time walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

• Aviation and/or UAS experience.
• Experience with C‑UAS systems.
• Experience working with Ardu Pilot, Ardu Copter, and/or PX4 software.
• UAS design and construction experience.
• Software and programming experience (Python, MAVLink, multi‑threaded programming, ROS, etc.).
• Proficient remote pilot and/or manual fixed‑wing RC flying skills.
• Experience working with aviation safety.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime.

Restricted.

70,304 – 105,456; commensurate with experience.

40.

June 22, 2026.

Position is restricted to a U.S. citizen due to project restrictions. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Erin Poffat (emcclusk) during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.