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Applied Intuition · 1 day ago

Test & Evaluation Director - Autonomous Systems

San Diego, California, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$150K/yr - $190K/yr

10+ years exp

Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. As the Test & Evaluation Director for Autonomous Systems, you will lead the function that ensures system readiness for real-world deployment, focusing on the testing and evaluation of autonomous vessels to define standards of reliability and performance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Autonomous VehiclesEnterprise SoftwareInfrastructureSoftware

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and own the comprehensive T&E strategy for our entire fleet of autonomous surface vehicles, from concept and simulation to full-scale, multi-vessel operational deployment

Develop and own the complete Verification and Validation (V&V) workflow for our product line, establishing the processes, metrics, tools, and infrastructure that define mission readiness

Synthesize operational risk management frameworks and communicate potential risk to the senior Program Manager ahead of at-sea sorties

Define and own Operational Design Domain (ODD)-level Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for autonomy, focusing on quantifiable metrics for safety, capability, and reliability in complex maritime environments

Lead the strategic balance between simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), closed-course, and open-ocean testing to maximize learning velocity while ensuring absolute safety and efficiency

Author and maintain master test plans, strategic planning documents, and provide input to the EpiSci Program Managers for Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) documentation (e.g., System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), System Requirements Specification (SRS)) for government programs

Qualification

TestEvaluation strategyVerificationValidation (V&V)Autonomous systems experienceAgile program managementRobotics development toolsModel-Based Systems EngineeringCritical writing skillsInterfacing with government customersMilitary experienceLeadership experience

Required

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Ocean, Systems), Computer Science, or a related technical field

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in systems engineering, integration, and/or test and evaluation of complex electro-mechanical or software-intensive systems, with at least 5 years in a formal leadership capacity

Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading the test and evaluation of autonomous or unmanned systems in a relevant domain (air, ground, or sea)

Experience with using agile program management tooling such as Atlassian Jira

Exemplary critical writing and analysis skills, able to draft comprehensive after action reports

Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% of the time, including significant periods spent offshore on vessels of various sizes in potentially harsh conditions

U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret or Top Secret security clearance

Preferred

Direct, hands-on experience with the development, integration, and/or operational testing of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)

Proven experience leading on-deck maritime operations, including vessel handling, launch and recovery, and working with pier-side and port service partners

Architectural understanding of a full autonomy software stack, including its core components: perception, prediction, planning, and control systems

Technical proficiency with modern robotics development and testing tools, such as C++, Python, Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2), and high-fidelity simulation environments

Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools (e.g., SysML, UML) for requirements management and test case development

Demonstrated experience interfacing directly with government customers, particularly the U.S. Navy, and a strong familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and reporting requirements

Prior military experience in a relevant operational or technical field (e.g., Navy EOD, Naval Special Warfare (NSW), billets related to operations of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS); is a significant advantage