Aeronautical Test Engineer

Enigma Aerospace; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous healthcare

401k plan with company match

Unlimited PTO

Flexible work-from-home policies

Stock options

Free parking on-site

Job summary

Enigma Aerospace is looking for an Aeronautical Test Engineer to lead analysis and testing for autonomous aircraft. This role encompasses contributions across aircraft design, testing, and systems integration to ensure optimal aircraft performance.

The ideal candidate should have 7+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, proficiency in flight control systems, and a background in data acquisition and analysis software. Benefits include a competitive package and equity compensation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in aerospace and flight test engineering.
• Eligibility to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.
• Hands-on experience with testing fixed-wing aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Plan and optimize performance for fixed-wing aircraft.
• Implement engineering and flight test procedures.
• Analyze post-flight data to generate reports.

Skills

Aircraft dynamics

Flight controls

Data acquisition

MATLAB

Python

GNC/Flight control law software

Communication skills

Education

BS/MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

PX4

Ardupilot

Telemetry systems

Job description

Enigma Aerospace is seeking an Aeronautical Test Engineer to lead the analysis and testing of our next-generation, runway-independent autonomous fixed-wing aircraft. This role will involve significant contributions to aircraft design through analysis, simulation and testing of aircraft and flight subsystems from the benchtop, to ground test, through flight testing, ensuring our aircraft perform as expected and is ready for inclusion in demonstrations, exercises, and sustained flight operations.

This is a cross-functional position that spans aircraft design and analysis, flight test, flight software modifications, avionics/telemetry, instrumentation, and system integration. You’ll work alongside software, avionics, systems, and other engineering teams to ensure our flight systems are ready for complex, real-world operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute performance and GNC/ flight control laws optimization for fixed-wing aircraft
• Plan and implement engineering and flight test plans and procedures for component, ground, taxi, and flight operations based on aircraft design requirements and software changes
• Instrument aircraft with sensors, data acquisition, and telemetry systems; validate calibration and data integrity
• Analyze post-flight data, generate reports, and provide actionable feedback to design and systems teams
• Work with controls, avionics, propulsion, and systems engineers to align test objectives with performance requirements
• Participate in integration, repair, and fabrication of aircraft and sub-systems
• Feed flight data, analyses and insights to aircraft design teams and processes
• Conduct safety reviews, risk assessments, and test readiness reviews
• Contribute to development and maintenance of engineering, regulatory and operational documentation
• Travel up to 25% of time

Desired Qualifications

• BS/MS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Controls, or a related field
• Strong understanding of aircraft dynamics and flight controls
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace and flight test engineering, or related field specifically on fixed-wing, autonomous aircraft systems
• Strong & demonstrated knowledge and experience with GNC/ Flight control law software including open source software such as PX4 and Ardupilot
• Hands‑on experience with fixed-wing aircraft flying and/or testing (manned or unmanned)
• Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis software, scripting and tools (MATLAB, Python or similar) and telemetry/DAQ systems
• Knowledge of flight test regulations, safety protocols, and UAS operational requirements
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S without company sponsorship and ability to receive and hold government security clearances
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills

Great To Have Qualifications And Skills

• Experience supporting experimental flight test programs at startups or R&D organizations
• Familiarity with flight control systems, avionics, propulsion, autopilots
• FAA Part 107 certification or piloting experience
• Experience with system modeling tools or HIL/SIL environments
• Interest in operating at the boundary of software and hardware in a fast-paced startup
• Knowledge of industry (ASTM) and FAA/DoD experimental test standards
• You are a systems thinker who can balance performance, safety, and complexity
• You are mission‑oriented, detail‑driven, and excited to move quickly from design analysis to test design to flight

Benefits, Equity, & Work Location

Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work‑from‑home policies, stock options, free parking on‑site, and a well‑stocked snacks and coffee environment. This position is eligible for equity compensation. Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on‑site with an expectation that commuting to our test sites will be required often.

About Enigma Aerospace

Enigma Aerospace is building the next‑generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed‑wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway‑independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery. Our technologies deliver charter‑level performance at freight prices, redefining what’s possible in the $150B air cargo market.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture‑backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.