Flight Systems Test Engineer

Blue Signal Search; Aberdeen (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base compensation

Equity participation

Company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Blue Signal Search is looking for a Flight Systems Test Engineer in Aberdeen, North Carolina. This hands-on role allows engineers to lead the testing phases of unmanned aircraft, translating engineering concepts into practical testing plans.

The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience, strong communication skills, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline. This unique opportunity positions you within a small, impactful engineering team focused on advancing autonomous platforms.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in flight test, systems test, aircraft development, or robotics.
• Remote pilot certification or familiarity with unmanned flight operations.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving environment where engineers handle various tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning for flight and system testing of unmanned aircraft.
• Translate engineering objectives into test plans and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate site logistics for efficient execution.

Skills

Flight test experience

Systems test experience

Practical experience with unmanned aircraft

Working proficiency with Python

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, robotics, or related engineering discipline

Tools

Telemetry workflows

Engineering data review tools

Job description

Our client is expanding a high impact engineering team focused on advanced unmanned aircraft and mission driven system development. They are seeking a Flight Systems Test Engineer who wants broad ownership, real technical influence, and the chance to help move products from concept through field validation. This is a hands‑on role for an engineer who enjoys solving practical problems, working close to hardware, and helping shape how complex airborne systems are tested, refined, and prepared for operational use.

This Role Offers

• Competitive base compensation, with flexibility for exceptional candidates
• Equity participation as part of a compelling total rewards package
• Company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• A chance to join a small, growing engineering team where your work directly influences product direction and readiness
• An opportunity to contribute in a mission focused environment centered on advanced autonomous platforms

Focus

• Lead planning and execution activities for flight and system level testing of unmanned aircraft and related subsystems
• Translate engineering and program objectives into practical test plans, evaluation methods, and clear acceptance criteria
• Support readiness reviews, safety planning, mission briefings, and disciplined decision making throughout test operations
• Coordinate aircraft, support equipment, data collection needs, personnel, and site logistics for efficient onsite execution
• Work closely with software, hardware, and systems teammates to investigate issues, verify improvements, and advance platform maturity
• Review engineering data, flight records, and post event results to identify trends, root causes, and recommended next steps
• Help strengthen repeatable test methods, operational documentation, and safe working practices as the team grows
• Contribute directly to hands on troubleshooting, system modification, build support, and field level problem solving when needed

Skill Set

• 3 or more years of experience in flight test, systems test, aircraft development, robotics, or similar engineering environments
• Remote Pilot certification or comparable familiarity with compliant unmanned flight operations
• Practical experience with unmanned aircraft, autonomy, robotics, or other complex electromechanical systems
• Working knowledge of modern flight control environments, telemetry workflows, and engineering data review tools
• Ability to diagnose issues across hardware, software, controls, and system integration boundaries
• Comfort operating in a fast‑moving setting where engineers may shift between build, test, analysis, and field troubleshooting
• Experience interpreting logs, telemetry, or performance data to support technical decisions
• Working proficiency with Python, C++, or similar tools used for debugging, automation, or analysis support
• Strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to remain effective in operational settings
• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, robotics, or related engineering discipline is preferred, though equivalent practical experience may also be considered

Helpful Background

• Experience with fixed wing, vertical takeoff and landing, or hybrid aircraft
• Experience validating performance across progressively more demanding test conditions
• Background in defense, national security, military aviation, or other mission focused environments
• Personal or professional experience building, modifying, or tuning custom unmanned systems
• Ability to pass background screening and work in a defense aligned setting

Why Candidates Are Interested

This opportunity offers the kind of ownership that many engineers want but do not often get. The team is small enough for individual contributions to matter, and the role reaches across testing, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous product improvement.