Uncrewed Air System Test and Hardware Loop Engineer

Overview

Are you interested in working in multi-disciplinary teams to advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous systems, uncrewed air systems (UAS), artificial intelligence, software design, embedded systems, virtual reality, and simulation?

Are you interested in applying your skills to conceive, design, prototype and test new capabilities in intelligent autonomous systems that will save US warfighter’s lives and ensure our nation’s preeminence?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Intelligent Combat Systems Group at APL!

We are the Intelligent Combat Systems Group, and our mission focus is to ensure our Nation maintains the operational advantage on the future battlefield through foundational advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, manned-unmanned teaming and novel unmanned aircraft (e.g. drones) design and testing. We believe the future of warfare will be defined by intelligent autonomous systems capable of fighting with machine precision at machine speeds.

Whether it is developing the intelligence that drives autonomous wingmen behaviors, integrated real-time collaboration tools and data analytic architectures, or novel AI design tools and software, the Intelligent Combat Systems Group is at the forefront. Three of our recent game-changing projects (DARPA Air Combat Evolution, AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force Sky Borg) are featured in recent news articles, highlighting our impact and innovation.

We are seeking inquisitive and creative team members who like to tackle ambitious problems to help us build the next generation of autonomous combat systems and shape the future of warfare. Our team is an entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary team committed to developing technical talent, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, while having fun with what we do!

• Select, modify, and integrate instrumentation on UAS to collect test data (e.g. aerodynamic, temperature, vibration) in support of UAS prototype development.
• Set up and interact with instrumentation and data acquisition systems and support flight test operations to collect, process, and analyze data collected to clean up data, identify trends, and work with experts to draw conclusions for use in design iterations and performance characterization.
• Be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of real-time, closed-loop hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) capabilities.
• Design, develop, integrate, and test air vehicle software, firmware, and hardware while working with a multi-discipline team.

You meet the minimum requirements for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Have at least 3+ years of hands-on experience with data acquisition methods and systems for robotic, aerospace, or uncrewed systems.
• Are proficient in a scripting language (e.g., Python, Bash) for test automation, data parsing, and network analysis.
• Are proficient with Linux.
• Experience designing or integrating hardware and software; or experience with HWIL.
• Possess excellent problem-solving skills and a hands-on, "build and test" mindset.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an MS or higher in a relevant engineering field.
• Have 5+ years of relevant experience, particularly in a Test and Evaluation (T&E) environment for defense or aerospace systems.
• Have experience working with microcontrollers and control system design.
• Have experience in user interface design experience/front end development.
• Are proficient with Labview.
• Are familiar with networking and long-range low-power communication protocols.
• Have direct experience with UAS flight controllers…