PDS Tech is currently seeking a Senior Test Engineer (Actuators/Mechanical Systems) for our client in Santa Cruz, CA

Overview

Our client is seeking a highly organized, passionate individual to join our Testing Team. As part of this team, you will perform validation and verification testing of flight critical components and sub-systems for VTOL electric aircraft. The data collected during these tests will inform the companys hardware design efforts and pave the way to production ready hardware.

Responsibilities

• Create, and mentor others in the creation of test setups for validation and verification of aircraft hardware.
• Work closely with the Airframe and Actuators, Propulsion and Avionics, and Software teams to capture the nuances of the components, system architectures, and operating conditions, and turning them into representative tests.
• Develop formal test plans, test procedures, instrumentation plans, test stand/fixture designs, data acquisition architectures, and any other necessary tools to allow for thorough and repeatable testing of specimens as discussed.
• Analyze data collected during the aforementioned tests to generate reports that will provide quantifiable feedback to the engineering teams allowing for hardware optimization.
• Manage the project status and timelines for the Testing Team and collaborate with Team Lead to ensure proper resource allocation to de-risk the critical paths.
• Create and implement tools to maximize Testing Team productivity.
• Manage the hardware needs of the Testing Team and provide recommendations for investment.

Required

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline.
• 5+ years of work experience in relevant industry.
• Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures.
• Experience with High Voltage systems.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with Dassault Systemes CAD Catia, specifically using Generative Shape Design, Part Design and Assembly Design.
• Hands on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other machine shop equipment.
• Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience is a plus.
• Experience with aircraft FAA certification processes.

Desired

• Ph.D in relevant discipline
• 5+ years of work experience in relevant industry
• Project management experience
• Experience with industrial test laboratory environments and procedures
• Experience testing aircraft composite structures
• Experience using fiber optic strain gauges
• Experience with High Voltage systems
• Experience with Dassault Systemes CAD, specifically using Generative Shape Design, Part Design and Assembly Design
• Hands on machine shop skills using lathe, mill, welder, and other machine shop equipment
• Aircraft homebuilding or rapid prototyping experience is a plus
• Experience with aircraft FAA certification processes

PDS Tech Commercial, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.