Test Engineer
Vatn Systems
Salary undisclosed
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Description
About Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an innovative startup at the forefront of designing and manufacturing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Our mission is to revolutionize underwater security, exploration, research, and operations through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled engineering. Our AUVs are defining the next generation of underwater autonomy
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented UUV Test Engineer to join our dynamic team. As a UUV Test Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of our fleet of vehicles. You will design and execute test plans through on water testing, analyze test results, and collaborate closely with our engineering and development teams to drive continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the sophisticated integration of cutting-edge subsystems including advanced sensors, precision navigation, innovative propulsion systems, secure communications, autonomous software platforms, and robust power management systems
- Conduct on water operations to execute a variety of UUV mission profiles
- Collaborate closely with our world-class team of engineers and specialists throughout the complete product development lifecycle
- Support the development and execution of comprehensive test protocols spanning development phases, system integration checkpoints, and stringent acceptance criteria
- Contribute to rigorous test and evaluation programs aligned with government standards and industry best practices
- Assist in establishing operational metrics that define performance excellence and system reliability
- Support complex test operations for our flagship platforms, assisting with pre-mission diagnostics, launch/recovery procedures, and post-mission analysis
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance support in challenging field environments
- Author detailed operational test reports that document system performance and contribute to capability validation
- Support data analysis efforts to extract actionable insights that help drive continuous improvement
- Maintain configuration control and documentation standards as part of the broader development team
- Work with external customers and integrators to support the integration of their payloads and requirements into our AUV platforms
- Contribute to critical design reviews and verification planning to help ensure adherence to project objectives
- Support Vatn Systems at industry events, exercises, and collaborative testing initiatives
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, or related field)
- Proven experience in systems engineering, integration, and comprehensive testing
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing detailed Test Plans, precise Test Procedures, and Test Reports
- Strong foundation in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and control systems theory
- Hands-on experience with field testing in operationally demanding environments
- Expertise in electronics troubleshooting with proficiency in standard test equipment
- Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Strong communication abilities that work well with diverse technical and non-technical team members
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture
- Team-oriented mindset with high ownership and proactive approach to supporting team objectives
- Flexibility to travel up to 20% (potentially more during critical test campaigns)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with maritime system operations and testing in sea environments
- UUV operator experience spanning across mission planning, execution and data review.
- Knowledge of subsea sensor integration, underwater navigation systems, and acoustic communication technologies
- On water experience working on and around vessels
- Familiarity and experience with subsea pressure vessel design
- Familiarity with subsea operational procedures and marine equipment
- Previous experience supporting test and evaluation programs
- Experience with autonomous system development and testing
- Background in maritime offshore operations and marine engineering
Vatn is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially having you join our team in shaping the future of autonomous underwater vehicles.
About this role
Vatn Systems is building autonomous underwater vehicles for security, exploration, and research operations, and this role sits at the intersection of engineering and field operations. As a Test Engineer, you would design and execute test plans for these sophisticated systems, conducting on-water missions to validate performance across integrated subsystems—sensors, navigation, propulsion, communications, software, and power management. You'll analyze results, troubleshoot in the field, document findings, and work directly with engineering teams and external customers to drive continuous improvement and ensure the vehicles meet rigorous government and industry standards.
The position demands a solid engineering foundation (Bachelor's degree in Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean Engineering, or related discipline) combined with hands-on experience in systems integration, field testing, and electronics troubleshooting. You should be comfortable interpreting complex technical drawings, writing detailed test documentation, and communicating across both technical and non-technical stakeholders. The role involves up to 20% travel, with potential for more during critical test campaigns, and requires the flexibility to support demanding field operations.
This is an ideal fit if you have prior experience in maritime or subsea testing environments and ideally some background with UUV operations, underwater navigation, or subsea systems. Even without that specific background, if you bring proven systems engineering and field testing expertise along with a collaborative, ownership-oriented mindset, you'd be a strong candidate for helping shape the next generation of autonomous underwater technology.
Typical pay for this role
$140,000
Typical range: $100,000 to $140,000
This role's local market on JobMinglr
Pay for this role
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