# R&D Test Engineer

**Company:** [9 Mothers](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/9-mothers)
**Location:** Austin, TX
**Role:** QA Engineering
**Salary:** $110k – $155k/yr
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** Photron Fastcam, Phantom High-Speed Cameras, Pfa (Photron Fastcam Analysis), Proanalyst, Motion Analysis Software, Ttl Trigger Circuits, Pressure Sensors, Acoustic Triggers, Led Lighting Rigs, Data Acquisition Systems, Kinematic Analysis, Schlieren Imaging, Shadowgraph Imaging
**Posted:** 2026-05-14

> Owns high-speed imaging for R&D testing of firearms and counter-drone systems, designs test setups, operates Photron/Phantom cameras, extracts quantitative kinematic data, and delivers actionable analysis to engineers. Requires BS in engineering/physics and 3+ years high-speed camera experience.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Test Planning & Execution
- 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

### Quantitative Analysis
- 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
- Produce clear, actionable reports communicating findings to mechanical engineers and program leads
- Maintain test records, data files, and calibration documentation

### Instrumental & Data Acquisition
- 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

### Test Program Ownership (Growth)
- 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
- Evaluate candidate cameras during rental evaluation sessions and provide procurement recommendations

## Requirements
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline
- 3+ years of hands-on experience operating scientific high-speed cameras (Photron Fastcam, Phantom, or equivalent) in a test or research environment
- Demonstrated experience extracting quantitative kinematic data from high-speed footage — velocity, acceleration, displacement
- 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
- Practical understanding of lighting for high-speed scientific imaging — exposure times, continuous vs. pulsed sources, avoiding flicker artifacts
- Ability to assess data quality in the field and make real-time setup adjustments
- Familiarity with data acquisition systems and multi-channel sensor integration

## Nice-to-Have
- Experience in a ballistics, weapons systems, or terminal effects test environment
- 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

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