Test Engineer - R&D

Citizens and permanent residents only - we do not sponsor and cannot hire non-citizens or PRs. We work 6 days a week in the office in downtown San Francisco with one Saturday off per month, no remote available. What is Aurelius Systems? Aurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for cUAS applications We shoot down drones with laser guns About Aurelius Systems Aurelius Systems is a directed energy company developing edge-deployed laser systems for counter-unmanned aerial systems (cUAS)—we shoot down drones with laser guns. In an era where threats are increasingly small, numerous, and easily manufactured, our mission is to provide scalable, advanced, and cost-effective defense solutions for the US and our allies. Fresh from our initial funding round, we're building our team to launch our flagship product: the Archimedes laser sentinel. Join us in delivering cutting-edge technologies to protect our servicemen, servicewomen, and domestic security forces. Role Overview: We are looking for a Test Engineer to own the verification, validation, and real-world performance testing of complex electromechanical and software-driven systems. This role spans lab testing, environmental testing, and frequent field deployments , working directly with hardware, software, and systems engineers to ensure what we build actually works under real operating conditions. You will be the connective tissue between design intent and operational reality. What You’ll Do Design, execute, and continuously improve test plans covering hardware, firmware, and software systems Perform hands-on lab testing of electromechanical assemblies, sensors, power systems, optics, and embedded controllers Lead field testing and deployments , including setup, operation, data collection, teardown, and post-test analysis Build and maintain test fixtures, harnesses, and instrumentation setups Develop automated and semi-automated test procedures where appropriate Capture, analyze, and clearly communicate test results, failures, and root causes Work closely with hardware and software engineers to: Reproduce bugs Validate fixes Prevent regressions Enforce safety procedures during high-power, high-voltage, or otherwise hazardous testing Help define acceptance criteria and readiness gates for prototypes and production units What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or similar) or equivalent experience Comfortable working directly with: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, DAQs Motors, sensors, actuators, embedded systems Experience testing systems that combine hardware + software Strong debugging instincts and structured failure analysis skills Willingness to travel locally and occasionally nationally for field tests Clear written and verbal communication—especially around failures Must have either 3D modeling experience or strong software automation skills Nice to Have Experience with robotics, autonomy, defense, aerospace, or industrial systems Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or scripting for test automation Environmental, vibration, thermal, or shock testing experience Safety-critical or mission-critical system testing background Why This Role Matters This role determines whether the system actually works outside of CAD, simulation, and bench demos. You’ll directly influence reliability, safety, and customer trust. Why Join Aurelius Systems? Drive innovation in cutting-edge directed energy defense technology. Contribute directly to national security with robust and scalable hardware solutions. Build more in 12 months than most engineers do in 5 years—we field test monthly on our own 400+ acre range, executing against a $151B MDA SHIELD IDIQ contract. Grow fast: engineers here typically get promoted 1-2x per year. Erick Brito went from Founding Robotics Engineer to Lead in 12 months. Work alongside a founding team from to build what directed energy should have been. We work 6 days (yes, we'll relocate you) a week because that's what it takes to ship real hardware to real operators. If you want balance, we respect that. If you want to build—keep reading. Please submit your resume and a brief summary of your most impactful project involving relevant work to [email protected] Compensation The base pay range for this role is $80,000 – $120,000 per year.