Systems Integration and Test Engineer

Job Description

MAAP is a collaborative research center that leads a FAA‑designated UAS test site and works on the FAA Beyond Program. The program advances UAS integration into airspace and its adoption by industry through innovative research, testing, and risk‑based safety case development.

We are seeking a Systems Integration and Test Engineer to support uncrewed aerial aircraft (UAS) and counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) research and testing. The engineer will serve as a technical expert, facilitate the integration of complex systems, develop test procedures and instrumentation, conduct tests, and report results.

The successful engineer will be a self‑motivated team player capable of executing a broad set of tasks. Tasks may be assigned by the engineering team or flight operations team leaders, and the engineer will report to the MAAP Chief Engineer.

• Advanced degree or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, or a 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.
• United States citizenship.
• Good driving record; ability to lift or move equipment over 25 pounds; work in outdoor elements and uneven terrain, including significant walking, standing, stooping, and bending.

• Aviation and/or UAS experience.
• Experience with C‑UAS systems.
• Experience with Ardupilot, Arducopter, 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 with aviation safety.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime.

Restricted.

70,; commensurate with experience.

40.

June 22, 2026.

Due to restrictions on the funded projects, position is restricted to a U.S. Citizen. 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 or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.