Test Engineer IV (Avionics & Ground Systems)

Quadrus Corporation provides expert Multidisciplinary Engineering, Consulting, and Staff Augmentation to complex defense, space, and commercial projects. In business since 1995, we have served the US Army, NASA, school systems, nonprofits, and commercial customers with a solid track record of delivering requirements on time, on budget, and with zero defects.

Job Description:

Quadrus Corporation is seeking a Test Engineer IV (Avionics & Ground Systems) to join our Engineering Services team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of complex avionics and ground systems by developing comprehensive test procedures, reviewing system requirements, and executing hardware-in-the-loop testing at a customer site. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in serial communication protocols (specifically MIL-STD-1553 and RS-422) and is comfortable navigating both software environments and hardware schematics.

Job Duties:

• Test Development: Design, author, and maintain detailed formal test procedures and test plans based on system-level requirements.


• Requirements Analysis: Participate in rigorous requirements reviews to ensure testability and traceability.  Familiarity with DOORs is preferred.


• Execution: Conduct functional and integration testing on avionics and ground systems, utilizing Linux environments and XML-based configuration or data logging tools.


• Test Readiness Reviews (TRR): Generate and present TRR meeting charts, detailing test objectives, hardware/software configurations, test constraints, and success criteria to stakeholders.


• Hardware Integration: Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings to troubleshoot hardware interfaces.


• Protocol Analysis: Use bus analyzers and oscilloscopes to monitor and debug communication traffic over MS1553 and RS422 interfaces. Utilize Wireshark to capture and analyze Ethernet-based traffic, identifying root causes for packet loss, latency, or protocol non-compliance.


• Documentation: Generate comprehensive test reports, document anomalies in problem reports, and work closely with hardware or software development teams to verify fixes.
  

Required Skills:

• Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience with MIL-STD-1553 (bus controller/remote terminal/monitor) and RS-422 serial interfaces.


• Technical Environment: Proficiency in Linux command-line operations and shell scripting.


• Data Formats: Ability to read and manipulate XML files for test configuration sequencing.


• Schematic Literacy: Proven ability to read and interpret electrical engineering drawings and schematics for troubleshooting.


• System Lifecycle: Experience with the full V-Model development cycle, specifically in formal Qualification/Acceptance testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with XML for test sequence development.


• Experience with basic laboratory test equipment (e.g., Breakout Boxes, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, and Bus Monitors).


• Background in Aerospace, Defense, or Space systems engineering.


• Experience with tools like DOORS for requirement traceability.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related science field.


• Experience: 10+ years in a highly regulated test environment (Space, Defense, or Flight or Ground Systems Hardware).


• Mindset: A "mission-first" attitude with a diligent attention to detail; the ability to remain calm and disciplined during high-pressure testing windows.
  

Other Requirements:

• Must be a U.S Citizen