9 Mothers
Defense
R&DTestEngineer,Senior
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“R&D Test Engineer, Senior at 9 Mothers. Skills: High-speed imaging, Quantitative kinematic data extraction, Test planning and execution, Motion analysis software proficiency. Own high-speed imaging capability end-to-end. Plan and execute high-speed imaging campaigns for mechanism analysis and ballistic pattern capture”
What You'll Achieve.
Completed at least one high-speed imaging campaign for mechanism analysis; Delivered a kinematic data report that engineers used to make a design decision; Established a repeatable setup and trigger procedure for our primary test configurations; High-speed imaging does not slow down our test program; Camera is set up correctly the first time; Footage is assessed for quality on the day of the test; 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
Industry & Context.
Design test setups that yield clean data; Produces analysis that directly answers critical engineering questions; Identify whether footage is scientifically usable before proceeding to next shot; Articulate exactly what the data does and does not support and what would be needed to answer the question definitively
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, Outdoor test sessions in central Texas conditions — including direct sun and high temperatures — are a routine part of the job, Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one, Relocation Assistance
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
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 — not just producing video, 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 to recover a test session, Comfort working around firearms, muzzle blast, and associated safety protocols
Nice to Have
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
What You'll Do.
Own high-speed imaging capability end-to-end
Plan and execute high-speed imaging campaigns for mechanism analysis and ballistic pattern capture
Design test setups including camera positioning
and trigger architecture
Select operating parameters — frame rate
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
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
Extract kinematic data (displacement
acceleration vs. time) from high-speed footage
Calibrate pixel-to-physical-unit conversions and apply appropriate lens distortion corrections
Propagate measurement uncertainty through to reported kinematic characterize what the data can and cannot support
actionable reports communicating findings to mechanical engineers and program leads
Maintain test records
and calibration documentation
Design and build test fixtures and instrumentation setups supporting high-speed imaging campaigns
Integrate supplementary sensors (pressure
accelerometers) with camera trigger and timing systems
Own data acquisition hardware selection
and operation for test programs
Support broader test program infrastructure
Develop and maintain test plans
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
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Communicate findings to mechanical engineers and program leads; Collaborate with founders and team members; High-bandwidth collaboration
Communication Scope
Produce clear, actionable reports communicating findings
Process & Methodology
Test campaign planning, Requirements to execution to results delivery
Full Job Description
Location: Onsite — Austin, TX Employment Type: Direct Hire, Full‑Time Job Title: R&D Test Engineer, Senior About 9 Mothers The modern battlefield has changed. Cheap, autonomous suicide drones have turned the tactical advantage upside down, and the world is looking for a solution. At 9 Mothers, we aren’t just "innovating"—we are building the shield. Backed by top-tier investors, we develop AI powered machines designed to intercept and neutralize Group 1/sUAS threats in real-time. Our flagship product is a low-power, counter-drone system built for the edge—on vehicles, at bases, or in a soldier's pack. Why 9 Mothers? While others build for "awareness" or "long-term research," we build for the immediate survival of those in harm’s way. We are a team of hackers, engineers, and mission-driven builders who value field-ready capability over polished slide decks. If you want to see your code or hardware in the field next month—not next year—this is your playground. Position Summary We are seeking an R&D Test Engineer to own our high-speed imaging capability end-to-end. Testing is central to how we work—we iterate fast and make decisions from data. This is not a camera operator role; it is a test engineering position where high-speed imaging is the primary diagnostic instrument used to deliver quantitative kinematic data that engineers can act on. The right person understands the scientific limitations of imaging, designs test setups that yield clean data, and produces analysis that directly answers critical engineering questions regarding firearms and counter-drone systems. Essential Duties 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, exposur
Applying for this R&D Test Engineer, Senior role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Ashby
- Ashby is a fast modern ATS — most applications take under 3 minutes.
- The resume parser is strong; verify parsed experience dates and job titles.
- Custom screening questions are often scored algorithmically — answer completely.
- Location field affects geo-based screening; use your actual metro area.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about 9 Mothers?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.