9 Mothers
R&D Test Engineer
Austin · Director · Contract
No sponsorshipDetected 69 days ago
ProcurementMIL-STDMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringSensorsResearchCollaboration
About the role
- Testing is central to how we work-we iterate fast and make decisions from data.
- Plan and execute high-speed imaging campaigns for mechanism analysis (firearms cycling, feeding, extraction) and ballistic pattern capture (projectile trajectory relative to aerial targets)
- Select operating parameters - frame rate, resolution, exposure time, pre-trigger buffer - appropriate to each test objective
Responsibilities
- Design test setups including camera positioning, field of view, working distance, and trigger architecture
- Design and implement trigger circuits from TTL sources including pressure sensors, acoustic triggers, and hardware fire signals
- Perform on-the-spot data quality assessment immediately after capture - identify whether footage is scientifically usable before proceeding to next shot
- Propagate measurement uncertainty through to reported kinematic quantities; characterize what the data can and cannot support
- Produce clear, actionable reports communicating findings to mechanical engineers and program leads - not footage, but data with stated confidence
- Maintain test records, data files, and calibration documentation consistent with a defensible engineering record
- Design and build test fixtures and instrumentation setups supporting high-speed imaging campaigns
- Your contributions directly drive the value of your stake in the company.
- Mission-Critical Work: We don't build for "what if." We build systems the Department of War actively needs to counter immediate, real-world threats.
Requirements
- 3+ years of hands-on experience operating scientific high-speed cameras (Photron Fastcam, Phantom, or equivalent) in a test or research environment
- Proficiency with motion analysis software: PFA (Photron FASTCAM Analysis), ProAnalyst (Xcitex), or equivalent
- Experience designing and implementing external trigger systems for ballistic or mechanical test events
- Ability to assess data quality in the field and make real-time setup adjustments to recover a test session
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and multi-channel sensor integration
- Experience in a ballistics, weapons systems, or terminal effects test environment (government range, defense contractor, or national lab)
- Familiarity with firearms mechanics - action types, cycling dynamics, feed system behavior
- Experience with MIL-STD test documentation and defense program T&E workflows
- Experience with Schlieren or shadowgraph imaging for ballistic diagnostics
Benefits
- Meaningful Early Equity: You aren't just an employee
- 100% Employer-Paid Premiums: We cover 100% of your medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums and cover 50% of healthcare premiums for your dependents.
- Unlimited PTO: We value results, not clock-watching.
Company info
- Join an onsite team in Austin, TX, where we prioritize high-bandwidth collaboration and rapid field-testing.
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