Test Engineer - R&D
Aurelius Systems
Quality Assurance
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 8, 2026
Test Engineer - R&D
San Francisco
Engineering
In office
Full-time
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
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.
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Req ID: R13