Saildrone is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Systems Integration & Test Engineer to join the Manufacturing Engineering team. Reporting to the Senior Manager - Manufacturing Engineering, this role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive testing protocols for drone production, including end-of-line testing, systems integration, and troubleshooting. The engineer will lead root cause analysis, create diagnostic decision trees, and work with hardware and software teams to ensure design for testability. The position supports production readiness and sea trial preparation in a national security and defense environment.

Responsibilities

Perform definition, documentation, and execution of test specifications for device-level components (including PCBs and sensors) and full-drone integration and validation workflows.
Be accountable for "End-of-Line" (EOL) testing protocols and production validation strategies to ensure every drone meets established safety and performance standards prior to sea trials.
Lead complex systems integration, troubleshooting, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations into "Unknown-Unknown" failures that go beyond standard repair procedures.
Work closely with hardware and software engineering teams to drive Design for Test (DfT) capabilities, ensuring the drone has the necessary hooks for efficient manufacturing and seamless updates after engineering changes.
Develop and maintain Diagnostic Decision Trees, troubleshooting flowcharts, and test procedures, transforming complex system interactions into logical, step-by-step guides for the production team to isolate common failures.
Monitor manufacturing yield trends to identify systemic design or process flaws, and analyze data from the "dead ends" of decision trees where technicians couldn't find a fix to continuously update diagnostic logic and improve repairability.
Carry out day-to-day work using Python or LabVIEW to design, automate, and maintain robust test scripts within a Linux environment.
Provide timely updates, technical guidance, and status updates to cross-functional stakeholders to support production schedules and operational readiness.
Perform all responsibilities in accordance with Saildrone safety expectations, quality standards, and engineering excellence.

Requirements

BS degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering.
5+ years of experience in systems integration, robotics, aerospace manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated proficiency in validating power and hardware architectures using power supplies, electronic loads, DAQs, oscilloscopes, Logic Analyzers, and RF test equipment.
Proven ability to write robust automated test scripts in Python or LabVIEW within a Linux environment.
Ability to clearly communicate complex system interactions, technical information, and diagnostic logic to manufacturing technicians, peers, and cross-functional engineering teams.
Working knowledge of diagnostic workflows, troubleshooting architecture, and manufacturing validation processes for complex electromechanical systems.

Nice to have

Familiarity with the unique challenges of integrating and testing RF systems, satellite communications, or marine sensor payloads is preferred.
Experience leveraging AI-assisted programming to streamline and accelerate code generation/test automation workflows is highly desired.

Benefits

Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.