Lead Vehicle Test Engineer

About the RoleAs a Lead Vehicle Test Engineer, you'll own the planning and execution of Powerus's sea and air test programs for our autonomous platforms—turning engineering objectives into safe, rigorous, repeatable test operations. You'll sit at the intersection of engineering, operations, and safety, building phased test campaigns that reduce risk, expand the envelope, and generate the data needed to mature prototypes into reliable, certifiable systems. As part of the Vehicle Test team, you'll be joining a group of driven, collaborative, and talented engineers who take pride in solving complex technical challenges and making an impact as a team. We hold a high bar for engineering rigor, move quickly, think boldly, and rely on our teamwork to push boundaries and bring entirely new technology into the world. If you thrive in hands-on, high-performance test environments and are motivated by building something fundamentally new, you'll be in the right place — and we'd be thrilled to have you on the team!Key ResponsibilitiesPlan and execute test campaigns across sea and air testing—designing phased programs from early on-water trials through flight test and certification-support activities.Develop risk-informed test plans and procedures (test cards, checklists, envelope expansion plans) that systematically reduce risk while advancing capability and performance.Translate engineering requirements into executable tests by partnering with design, loads, controls, structures, and systems to define objectives, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and constraints.Own test readiness and event coordination, ensuring vehicle configuration, personnel, supporting assets, infrastructure, and test environment are aligned for safe execution.Lead and contribute to hazard assessments and safety reviews, identifying hazards, implementing mitigations, and communicating go/no-go logic in high-consequence environments.Support real-time and post-test analysis, monitoring key telemetry during events, capturing anomalies, and producing clear post-test reports that drive decisions and next-step planning.QualificationsExperience in vehicle, marine, flight, or integrated prototype testing (aerospace, maritime, automotive, or advanced mobility), with ownership of test events end-to-end.Proven ability to build structured test plans (phased campaigns, test readiness criteria, configuration control, and disciplined documentation) in fast-moving development programs.Strong safety mindset and experience with hazard analysis / risk management (e.g., hazard logs, operational risk assessments, TRRs, safety/airworthiness reviews).Hands-on comfort in the field: working around vehicles, boats, aircraft, high voltage, propulsion systems, or other high-energy systems—calm, decisive, and methodical under pressure.Ability to communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences—confident presenting at reviews and aligning cross-functional teams around plan, risk, and execution.Experience leveraging test data for decision-making (telemetry review, anomaly triage, post-test reporting); familiarity with instrumentation and data systems is a plus.Powerus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.