Director of Flight Test Operations

Grid Aero; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity 0.2-0.3%

Job summary

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns, manage instrumentation, and analyze data from UAV tests. You will bridge software, hardware, and operations, ensuring high-quality data and actionable feedback.

Early hire will shape test processes, validation standards, and safety protocols across the team. The role collaborates with CTO and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup, with travel to Merced, CA for field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Aerospace, Robotics, Mechanical, CS).
• Experience supporting flight tests, robotics field testing, or complex system validation.
• Strong data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, onboard instrumentation, and sensor integration.
• Understanding of control systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic platforms.
• Comfort with Linux-based systems and embedded platforms.
• Experience in early-stage startups or fast-paced R&D environments.
• Interest in autonomy, AI, and aviation (direct aviation experience is a plus).
• Experience with fixed-wing envelope expansion and performance testing is a plus.
• Test Pilot School degree/certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight test campaigns with test cards and safety reviews.
• Act as Test Director or Ground Control Station crew for ground/flight tests.
• Own onboard and ground instrumentation setup for aircraft and support systems.
• Validate autonomy, navigation, comms, and control system performance.
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify behaviors and improvements.
• Collaborate with software, controls, and mechanical teams to close the loop on tests.
• Establish structured flight test processes, docs, and reporting frameworks.
• Travel regularly to Merced, CA for field testing (expenses covered).

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Robotics

Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science

Embedded Linux

Data analysis

Telemetry systems

Sensor integration

Autonomy stacks

Startup experience

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Linux

Job description

Job Title: Flight Test Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite [San Leandro, CA] with travel to Merced, CA

About Grid.aero

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it

Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to join our small but high-impact team. In this role, you will work in close collaboration with our CTO and own the execution, instrumentation, and analysis of flight test campaigns on our full scale and subscale UAVs.

You will serve as the bridge between software, hardware, autonomy, and operations — ensuring that every test flight produces high-quality data, validated performance insights, and actionable engineering feedback.

As an early hire in the flight test team, you’ll help establish Grid’s flight test processes, data validation standards, and safety protocols from the ground up. You’ll work closely with leadership and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure our systems are robust, reliable, and mission-ready.

If you're excited about building and testing real autonomous aircraft in a fast-moving startup environment, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and execute flight test campaigns, including test cards, safety reviews, and post-flight debriefs
• Act as a Test Director or Ground Control Station crew member for ground and flight tests, and related simulation rehearsals.
• Own onboard and ground-based instrumentation setup for aircraft and support systems
• Validate autonomy, navigation, communication, and control system performance during live operations
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify system-level behaviors, anomalies, and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with software, controls, and mechanical teams to close the loop between test results and design iteration
• Establish structured flight test processes, documentation standards, and reporting frameworks
• Travel regularly to Merced, CA for flight operations and field testing (expenses covered)

Key Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience supporting flight tests, robotics field testing, or complex system validation
• Strong experience with data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar tools)
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, onboard instrumentation, and sensor integration
• Understanding of control systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic platforms
• Comfort working with Linux-based systems and embedded platforms
• Experience in early-stage startups or fast-paced R&D environments
• Interest in autonomy, AI, and aviation (direct aviation experience is a plus, but not required)
• Experience with fixed-wing aircraft envelope expansion and performance testing is a plus.
• A degree or certificate from a Test Pilot School is a plus.

Compensation: $150k -$220k /0.2-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).