Flight Performance Engineer

Gavroche Group; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Neros is seeking a Flight Performance Engineer in Torrance, CA to own the flight dynamics of our UAVs from prototyping to production. You will work with firmware, mechanical, and production teams to eliminate failures, tune configurations, and deliver stable, repeatable flight performance.

You will run structured test protocols, document tuning methodologies, and communicate results across disciplines. This hands-on role requires experience with multirotor drones and flight control software,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years in a multirotor UAV engineering role.
• Proven root cause analysis on flight anomalies using blackbox/DVR/telemetry data.
• Deep technical understanding of multirotor mechanics and the interaction with control systems.
• Hands-on experience assembling, repairing, or modifying multi-rotor drones.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Ability to fly and tune FPV drones.
• Familiarity with flight control software such as Betaflight, PX4, ArduPilot, Kiss.

Responsibilities

• Own the flight performance (stability, response, reliability) of multirotor UAS from prototype through production.
• Design and execute structured test protocols to evaluate flight performance, identify failure modes, and validate configuration changes.
• Develop and maintain internal documentation on flight dynamics, tuning methodology, and test results.
• Represent flight performance interests in cross-functional reviews with mechanical, electrical, firmware, production, and NPI teams.
• Serve as an SME on flight dynamics, delivering knowledge transfers to peers.
• Lead R&D efforts to evaluate design changes and improve product performance.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or engineering field)

Tools

betaflight

px4

ardupilot

Kiss

Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands‑on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

As a Flight Performance Engineer at Neros, you will own the flight dynamics of our UAVs, from hands‑on prototyping and structured field testing through data‑driven tuning, qualification, and release of flight configurations. You’ll lead root cause analysis using blackbox/DVR/thermal data and work cross‑functionally with firmware, mechanical, and production teams to eliminate failure modes and improve performance metrics at scale. This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on role at a rapidly growing startup, ideal for engineers who take pride in producing stable, repeatable, and exceptional flight performance.

Responsibilities

• Own the flight performance (stability, response, reliability) of multirotor UAS from prototype through production
• Design and execute structured test protocols to evaluate flight performance, identify failure modes, and validate configuration changes
• Develop and maintain internal documentation on flight dynamics, tuning methodology, and test results
• Represent flight performance interests in cross‑functional reviews with mechanical, electrical, firmware, production, and NPI teams
• Serve as a subject matter expert on flight dynamics, delivering structured knowledge transfers of advanced multirotor mechanics to peers
• Lead R&D efforts to evaluate design changes and improve product performance

You should have the following

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a engineering field
• 2+ years of experience in a multirotor UAV Engineering role
• Proven track record of root cause analysis on quadcopter flight anomalies using blackbox, DVR, or telemetry data
• Deep technical understanding of multirotor mechanics and the interplay between the mechanical and control systems
• Hands on experience assembling, repairing, or modifying multi‑rotor drones
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Ability to fly and tune FPV drones
• Familiarity with flight control software like betaflight, px4, ardupilot, Kiss

Nice to have

• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
• Familiarity with ESC firmware and configuration such as Bluejay, BLHeli_S, or BLHeli_32
• Experience with a CAD software such as Solidworks or NX
• Background working in mass production environments where cost, supply chain, and scalability are key considerations
• Active part 107 certificate

US Salary Range

$97,500 – $136,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.