R&D Test Engineer

Plan and execute high-speed imaging campaigns for mechanism analysis (firearms cycling, feeding, extraction) and ballistic pattern capture (projectile trajectory relative to aerial targets)

Design test setups including camera positioning, field of view, working distance, and trigger architecture

Select operating parameters — frame rate, resolution, exposure time, pre-trigger buffer — appropriate to each test objective

Configure and operate Photron Fastcam and Phantom high-speed camera systems

Design and implement trigger circuits from TTL sources including pressure sensors, acoustic triggers, and hardware fire signals

Set up and qualify lighting rigs for high-speed scientific imaging, including continuous LED systems at short exposures

Perform on-the-spot data quality assessment immediately after capture — identify whether footage is scientifically usable before proceeding to next shot

Extract kinematic data (displacement, velocity, acceleration vs. time) from high-speed footage using PFA, ProAnalyst, or equivalent motion analysis software

Calibrate pixel-to-physical-unit conversions and apply appropriate lens distortion corrections

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

Integrate supplementary sensors (pressure, acoustic, accelerometers) with camera trigger and timing systems

Own data acquisition hardware selection, setup, and operation for test programs

Support broader test program infrastructure as the team and test scope grow

Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, and data reduction protocols

Drive test campaign planning from requirements to execution to results delivery

Build out and maintain the team's high-speed camera infrastructure as equipment is procured

Evaluate candidate cameras during rental evaluation sessions and provide procurement recommendations

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

Background in test fixture design and fabrication

Experience with Schlieren or shadowgraph imaging for ballistic diagnostics

Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one

M.S. in a relevant engineering or physics discipline

Passion for building robots or engineering projects as a hobby.

In the first 90 days, this person has completed at least one high-speed imaging campaign for mechanism analysis, delivered a kinematic data report that engineers used to make a design decision, and established a repeatable setup and trigger procedure for our primary test configurations.

On an ongoing basis, high-speed imaging does not slow down our test program. The camera is set up correctly the first time, footage is assessed for quality on the day of the test, and data is in engineers' hands within days of a test event — not weeks. When a test produces ambiguous or inconclusive footage, this person can articulate exactly what the data does and does not support and what would be needed to answer the question definitively.

This role involves regular work in an active test environment including indoor range and outdoor field testing with live fire. Comfort working around firearms, muzzle blast, and associated safety protocols is required. Outdoor test sessions in central Texas conditions — including direct sun and high temperatures — are a routine part of the job.

Virtual interview with Director of Mechatronics + Director of Mechanical Engineering (45 min via MS Teams)

Virtual interview with Director of Operations

In-person visit to Austin to meet the founders, team, etc.

Offer