Test Engineer Senior Systems

KATIE TRAN 858-***-**** *************@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/katieytran

Summary:

Senior Systems Test Engineer with a strong background in verification, validation, and integration of aerospace and defense systems. Skilled in hardware-in-the-loop testing, reliability assessments, and cross-functional collaboration. Seeking to apply hands-on test and systems engineering expertise in a fast-paced environment.

Improved test coverage and reduced defect leakage by implementing robust test frameworks for UAV navigation systems and telematics modules, aligned with project safety, performance, and compliance objectives.

Core Competencies

Product Lifecycle Testing: Testing throughout design, development, and production phases. Test Fixture setup, PCB Test Interface Module design

Test Data Analysis: Identify trends, anomalies, and improvements through data interpretation.

Test Process Optimization: Enhance quality and efficiency using innovative techniques.

Requirements Verification & Validation: Review testability of designs and FMEAs.

Automated & Manual Testing: System-level and HIL testing with real hardware.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with design, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Precision Assembly Practices: Experience in high-spec harness builds and environmental testing.

Software & Tools: DOORS, Dassault Systems, Jira, Confluence, ReliaSoft Weibull++.

Telemetry data collection using KAM500

Education & Certification

B.S, Electrical Engineer

San Diego State University, CA

Caltech Model-Based Systems Engineering Certification

Work Experience:

Ardalyst LLC – Remote June 2024 – May 2025

MBSE Engineer

Verified system requirements and traceability for Navy's Defensive Cyberspace Operations.

Developed system-level test plans and procedures, supporting design compliance.

Created operational architecture diagrams for stakeholder communication.

Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company – Contract Dec 2023 – Jun 2024

Test Engineer

Authored test procedures for Iron Bird integration lab to validate spacecraft flight systems.

Performed system and subsystem-level verification for flight controls-actuator optimization

Worked closely with ME to architect Iron Bird Test Bed, structure test, generate test cases for test execution, subsystems include but not limited to pneumatic power supply systems, Landing Gear system, deployment dampers, thrusters, pneumatic and hydraulic plumbing, uplock, brake hydraulic pressure and leakage

Verify and validate system requirement for emergency, nominal gear deployment test, brake hydraulic functional/leak test, brake temperature functional test, cold deployment test

Practice cleanliness and safety concerns minimize debris and contamination for test article handling for plumbing and pressurized components, ie, MIL-PRF-87257B -hydraulic fluid

Spec sensors and instrumentation- thermocouple, pressure transducer, load cell, string pot, inclinometer

Northrop Grumman, San Diego, CA 09/2022-08/2023 04/2019- 05/2020

Sr. Principal System Test Engineer, TS

Led regression and formal test execution for aircraft subsystems and vehicle test controllers.

Conducted HIL testing and system bring-up for UAV-ground link integration (KU Satcom, VHF, CDL).

Coordinated closely with design and quality teams to ensure test coverage and traceability.

The Boeing Company, Remote 01/2022- 09/2022 Guidance Navigation and Controls Engineer

Developed test plans for flight control sensors, supporting 777X Folding Wing Tip systems.

Performed test gap analyses and regression testing using Jira and Confluence in Agile workflows.

Validated safety-critical system requirements for commercial aircraft.

Werfen- San Diego, CA 06/2020- 01/2022

Senior Systems Verification Engineer

Conducted system-level testing of medical diagnostic instruments to FDA and ISO-13485 standards.

Executed environmental reliability tests using ReliaSoft Weibull++.

Improved test protocols through collaboration with manufacturing and software engineering.

Regression Test – software. Performed Verification and Validation on open instrumentation IVD

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. -San Diego, CA 04/2013 -03/2019

Automation Test Engineer/ Flight Test

Built and tested aerospace-grade wire harnesses and supported environmental validation of fluid/power subsystems.

Programmed KAM-500 DAUs and conducted telemetry logging for UAV flight tests.

Supported environmental test campaigns and troubleshooting of system-level failures.

Support test fixture, board analysis, board bring-up, schematic development

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. -San Diego, CA 03/2012 - 04/2013

Reliability and Safety Engineer

Performed FMEA and fault tree analysis for UAV power systems, referencing DO-178/254/160.

Identified single-point failure modes and recommended design mitigations.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. -San Diego, CA 12/2008 - 03/2012

Payload Integration Engineer

Monitor manufacture of cable assemblies, ensure functional compliance with system safety protocols

Collaborated effectively with cross-functional development teams- Systems Engineering, Program office provided cost effective measures

Designed cable assembly for aircraft systems/ payloads

Hamilton Sundstrand Power Systems, – San Diego, CA 05/2004 - 11/2008

Jr. Design Engineer

Conducted FMECA and MTBF analysis for auxiliary power systems on 787 and A380 platforms.

Supported the integration of fault-tolerant components in complex aerospace assemblies.

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