Sr. Systems Test Engineer

Aitech Defense Systems is renowned for its innovation in rugged embedded systems, designed to operate reliably in the challenging environments of military, defense, aerospace, and space applications. Founded in 1983, Aitech has a rich history of pioneering advancements such as the world’s first conduction-cooled MIL-SPEC VMEbus board and has continually evolved its product line to include state-of-the-art SBCs, GPGPU-based AI applications, and advanced cybersecurity for mission-critical systems.

Joining us means you’ll be working at the forefront of technology with projects that span across land, sea, air, and space, supporting some of the top prime contractors in the industry. This opportunity will allow you to contribute to groundbreaking projects and push the boundaries of embedded computing technology.

Role Overview:

The Senior Systems Test Engineer (SEIT) will lead complex system test and verification activities for Aitech’s embedded systems, ensuring functional, performance, and reliability requirements are met. As a senior technical leader, this role will mentor and guide junior engineers, drive process improvements, and interface with systems, hardware, firmware, and software teams. The SEIT will also work with aerospace lifecycle processes, certification standards, and safety assessments for defense, aerospace, and space programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead system-level test planning, integration, and verification for complex embedded hardware and software systems.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior test engineers, promoting best practices in test methodology, analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate with systems, hardware, and firmware teams to define test requirements, success criteria, and verification methods.
• Conduct integration and test activities ensuring performance and reliability in rugged, mission-critical environments.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks to increase efficiency and repeatability.
• Document and track defects, perform root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions.
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and system verification reviews, including SRR, PDR, TRR, CDR, SOI, and PRR.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace certification and design assurance standards (DO-254, DO-178C, AS9100, ARP4754, ARP4761).
• Apply knowledge of aerospace safety assessment and systems development processes.
• Work with and validate systems according to MIL-STD-810, DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-217, and defense/aerospace communication protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing processes, methodologies, and tools.
• Provide leadership in problem-solving, risk mitigation, and proactive issue resolution, balancing technical and financial considerations.

AiTech offers a competitive total rewards package aligned with the individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience, and in line with both internal standards and external market practices. The expected annual salary range for this role is $95,000 - $120,000 a year.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person eligible to work on defense/aerospace programs.
• 10+ years of experience in systems test, integration, and verification within aerospace, defense, or space sectors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Systems, Electrical, Computer or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience with AI/GPGPU-enabled embedded systems.
• Familiarity with automated test frameworks and scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Experience in mission-critical system integration for defense, aerospace, or space programs.
• Strong hands-on experience in system design and development in aerospace, defense, or space.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead junior engineers while managing complex test programs.
• Familiarity with aerospace lifecycle processes and milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, TRR, CDR, SOI, PRR).
• Deep understanding of aerospace certification standards and design assurance (DO-254, DO-178C, AS9100, ARP4754, ARP4761).
• Knowledge of aerospace safety assessment and systems development processes.
• Expertise with MIL-STD-810, DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-217 , and defense/aerospace communication protocols.
• Creative problem solver who proactively seeks to exceed customer expectations.
• Adaptable, flexible, and able to champion innovation in a dynamic environment.
• Respectful, accountable, and supportive leadership style.
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance technical and financial considerations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI/GPGPU-enabled embedded systems.
• Familiarity with automated test frameworks and scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Experience in mission-critical system integration for defense, aerospace, or space programs.

Why Work at Aitech Systems:

• Lead high-impact systems test programs and mentor junior engineers in a collaborative, innovative environment.
• Directly influence testing strategy, processes, and system verification for rugged, high-performance embedded systems.
• Work on cutting-edge defense, aerospace, and space programs.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.