Aurelius Systems

Test Engineer - R&D

Posted 7 Days Ago

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San Francisco, CA

In-Office

Entry level

Hardware • Energy • Defense • Automation

The Role

The Test Engineer will be responsible for verifying and validating complex electromechanical and software systems, conducting various tests, and collaborating with engineers to ensure product reliability in real-world conditions.

Summary Generated by Built In

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.

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]