Flight Test Director, Autonomous UAVs & Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns for our autonomous UAVs. You will own instrumentation, analyze live flight data, and provide actionable feedback to software, controls, and mechanical teams.

This early-stage role shapes flight test processes, safety standards, and data validation from the ground up. You will collaborate with the CTO and cross-functional teams, travel regularly to Merced for field testing, and help ensure our systems are robust, reliable,

Qualifications

• Experience supporting flight tests, robotics field testing, or complex system validation.
• Strong data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with telemetry, instrumentation, and sensor integration.
• Understanding of control systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic platforms.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Data analysis (Python/MATLAB)

Flight test experience

Linux-based systems

Autonomy/AI interest

Embedded platforms

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Eng./Robotics/Mech Eng./CS

Tools

Telemetry systems

Onboard instrumentation

Sensor integration

Job description

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns for our autonomous UAVs. You will own instrumentation, analyze live flight data, and provide actionable feedback to software, controls, and mechanical teams.

This early-stage role shapes flight test processes, safety standards, and data validation from the ground up. You will collaborate with the CTO and cross-functional teams, travel regularly to Merced for field testing, and help ensure our systems are robust, reliable,