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Senior Test Engineer - Propulsion | Motors R&D
BETA Technologies
Quality Assurance
South Burlington, VT, USA
USD 80k-120k / year + Equity
Posted 6+ months ago
At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.
The propulsion test engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive test programs for aircraft electric motors, inverters, and their components. This role owns the end-to-end test strategy—from test stand architecture and instrumentation design through data analysis and certification documentation. The test engineer will partner with multiple teams to define design validation requirements, develop test methodologies, and drive continuous improvement of test capabilities. This individual will mentor junior engineers and serve as a subject matter expert on high-voltage propulsion system testing. Engineers with aviation background may also lead propulsion-focused flight test campaigns. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of electric aviation testing in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:
(Essential Duties and Responsibilities)
- Lead the design, development, and validation of high-voltage electrical test systems for inverters, motor controllers, and electric propulsion units
- Own test program planning and execution for component, system, and aircraft-level validation under dynamic and environmental conditions
- Define and execute EMI/EMC test campaigns; develop mitigation strategies for conducted and radiated emissions in high-power switching environments
- Architect test stand configurations, select instrumentation, and develop automated test sequences
- Partner with power electronics and motor design engineers to establish electrical acceptance criteria and validation coverage requirements
- Drive root cause analysis of electrical anomalies, power quality issues, and system failures; present findings to cross-functional stakeholders
- Author test reports and certification documentation to support FAA/regulatory compliance
- Establish high-voltage safety protocols and mentor junior engineers on safe work practices around energized systems
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field; or equivalent experience with evidence of exceptional ability
- 5+ years of experience in electrical systems testing, with deep expertise in high-voltage applications (400V+ DC bus, three-phase inverters, motor drives)
- Strong theoretical foundation in power electronics: inverter topologies, switching characteristics, gate drive design, and thermal management
- Demonstrated expertise in electrical measurement techniques including high-bandwidth current sensing (Rogowski coils, current transducers), isolated voltage measurement, and power analysis
- Deep familiarity with test instrumentation: oscilloscopes, power analyzers, digital signal generators, load cells, torque transducers, and data acquisition systems
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW for test automation, signal processing, and power system analysis
- Working knowledge of EMI/EMC principles, conducted/radiated emissions testing, and mitigation techniques for power electronics
- Experience interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and power system architectures
- Strong understanding of electrical safety standards and high-voltage work practices (NFPA 70E, arc flash, LOTO procedures)
- Excellent technical communication skills; experience authoring formal test reports and presenting to engineering leadership
- Self-directed problem solver with proven ability to diagnose complex electrical system issues under time pressure
Above and Beyond Qualifications:
- MS in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field
- Experience with aerospace electrical certification testing (DO-160 Section 16-22, MIL-STD-461/704)
- Background in electric vehicle, aerospace, or industrial motor drive development and testing
- Experience with motor characterization: back-EMF measurement, inductance/resistance mapping, torque-speed efficiency testing
- Familiarity with battery systems testing, BMS validation, and DC bus architectures
- Knowledge of insulation testing, partial discharge measurement, and high-voltage component qualification
- Experience with dynamometer testing and motor-inverter system integration validation
- Familiarity with functional safety standards (ISO 26262, DO-254) as applied to power electronics
- Prior experience in aviation, aerospace, or automotive electrification programs
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- This position requires handling motors and inverters using cranes and other lifting equipment. It also requires climbing on propeller stands using proper safety equipment to inspect the equipment.
- Test engineers will work around high voltages and must be able to work safely in that environment. Some of the testing is conducted outside, the ability to work at those extreme temperatures is required.
- Test programs sometimes require the test engineers to be present during night testing, or participate in atypical work schedules.
- Additionally, as magnets are used throughout the equipment, it is important that candidates are not affected by strong magnetic fields (e.g., individuals with pacemakers or similar medical devices should be aware of potential safety concerns).
Build electric airplanes with us!
BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.
We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.
Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.
80000 - 120000 USD a year
BETA designs and manufactures electric aircraft and the electric engines that propel them. We are looking for a highly motivated engineer with passion for the technology and deep experience in aerospace certification to join our team to work with fellow engineers and regulators to plan, build, and manage the certification process for electric propulsion systems.