Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. **Job Summary** Battelle is seeking a Senior Test Engineer, Autonomous sUAS Systems to provide technical leadership in the development, integration, verification, and operational testing of advanced autonomous unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) supporting national security, defense, and emerging technology programs. This position can operate from our Beavercreek/WPAFB offices or Columbus. In this role, you will lead complex test initiatives across software, hardware, autonomy, communications, and mission systems. You will be responsible for developing test strategies, directing flight and field test campaigns, assessing mission effectiveness, and ensuring autonomous capabilities meet customer requirements and operational objectives. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with autonomous systems, aerospace testing, or defense platforms and is capable of guiding multidisciplinary teams through challenging technical problems while shaping the future of autonomous mission capabilities. Join Battelle and lead the testing and evaluation of next-generation autonomous sUAS technologies that enable mission success in the world's most demanding operational environments. **Responsibilities** Technical Leadership & Test Strategy + Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of verification, validation, and operational testing for autonomous sUAS platforms and mission payloads. + Develop comprehensive test strategies that align technical requirements with mission objectives and customer expectations. + Establish test architectures, success criteria, performance metrics, and risk mitigation plans. + Serve as the primary technical lead for major test events and developmental flight campaigns. + Identify technical risks and develop corrective action plans to ensure successful program execution. Autonomous Systems Evaluation + Evaluate and validate advanced autonomous capabilities including: GPS-denied navigation, Sensor fusion and perception systems, Target detection and tracking, Multi-agent and swarm autonomy, AI/ML-enabled decision-making, Collaborative mission execution, Dynamic mission replanning and resilience. + Lead root-cause investigations of complex system failures and performance anomalies. + Assess autonomy performance in contested, degraded, and operationally representative environments. Flight Test & Operational Demonstrations + Direct flight-test planning, execution, safety reviews, and post-flight assessments. + Lead technical execution at government ranges, customer facilities, and operational test environments. + Coordinate with pilots, range personnel, systems engineers, operators, and government stakeholders. + Support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, and technology transition activities. + Ensure mission readiness and test execution aligns with safety and regulatory requirements. Test Automation & Digital Engineering + Lead development of automated test frameworks and continuous integration/continuous testing methodologies. + Guide implementation of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and digital engineering environments. + Develop data-driven approaches to system performance assessment and operational readiness evaluation. + Drive innovation in automated verification and validation processes. Systems Integration & Program Support + Collaborate closely with software, autonomy, RF, cybersecurity, systems, and hardware engineering teams. + Influence system design through early test involvement and engineering feedback. + Participate in technical reviews, architecture discussions, and customer engagements. + Support proposal development, technical planning, and future capability roadmaps. + Serve as a trusted advisor on test engineering best practices. Mentorship & Technical Excellence + Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers. + Establish testing standards, methodologies, and engineering best practices. + Lead technical reviews and facilitate cross-functional problem-solving activities. + Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and mission success. **Key Qualifications** + Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical discipline. + 8+ years of experience in test engineering, systems integration, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, robotics, defense systems, or related technical fields. + Demonstrated experience developing and leading verification and val