Flight Test Engineer

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision plans

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking a flight test engineer to specialize in flight test operations for developing UAS aircraft. You will report to the head of flight ops and collaborate with system engineering leads on test plans, CONOPs, safety analysis, and post‑flight reviews.

Travel to test ranges, including international, may be required as products scale over the next year. The role requires an engineering degree and 5+ years in aerospace, with strong written communication and hands-on test

Qualifications

• Engineering degree required unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.
• Minimum of 5 years in related aerospace with preferably UAS flight test engineering.
• Self-led and passionate about responsibility to be a key contributor in building flight test capability.
• Willing to be in the field regularly for 1-3 days.
• Willing to travel to various test ranges.
• Good written communication to write briefs, test reports, and formalize test forms/processes.

Responsibilities

• Central coordination for flight test operations.
• Inform the engineering team on key requirements for systems checks, data systems etc.
• Be a driving force in building out test infrastructure at primary test sites and outfitting test equipment, GCS etc.
• Conduct/lead team through testing workflow, including test planning preparations, readiness reviews, dry runs, day of test, and post-test reviews.
• Keep the product development team informed of all requirements.
• Help construct program flight test campaigns with system, GNC, and energetics engineers.
• Coordinating and planning of flight test demos.
• Technical advisor on test operations.
• Perform safety analysis and maintain company safety policies.

Skills

Flight test engineering

Aerospace experience

Test planning

Flight operations

Travel readiness

Written communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

GCS software

Mission planner

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting‑edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach develops UAS platforms in various stages of flight test development. This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS aircraft. You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads on generating and executing test plans. Responsibilities will include the development of test CONOP planning, procedures, test reviews, safety analysis, test preparations, and post‑flight test reviews. Testing is conducted on private and DoD ranges, and will require out‑of‑state and possibly OCONUS travel on occasion. This person will be in a prime position to help build the future flight team as products and operations scale over the next year.

Key Responsibilities

• Central coordination for flight test operations.
• Inform the engineering team on key requirements for systems checks, data systems etc.
• Be a driving force in building out test infrastructure at primary test sites and outfitting test equipment, GCS etc.
• Conduct/lead team through testing workflow, including test planning preparations, readiness reviews, dry runs, day of test, and post-test reviews.
• Keep the product development team informed of all requirements.
• Help construct program flight test campaigns with system, GNC, and energetics engineers.
• Coordinating and planning of flight test demos.
• Technical advisor on test operations.
• Perform safety analysis and maintain company safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Engineering degree required unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.
• Minimum of 5 years in related aerospace with preferably UAS flight test engineering.
• Multi‑talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.
• Self led and passionate about responsibility to be a key contributor in building flight test capability.
• Willing to be in the field regularly for 1-3 days.
• Willing to travel to various test ranges.
• Good written communication to write briefs, test reports, and formalize test forms/ processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mission planner and other GCS software is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Holds private pilot license or part 107.
• Private pilot, R/C aircraft nut, loves anything to do with aviation.
• Good candor in high‑pressure situations.
• Highly organized and good with data collection and storage.
• Not phased by being in the field somewhat regularly.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Compensation

Engineer $105,000—$140,000 USD

Senior Engineer $140,000—$180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements Of Our Compensation Philosophy

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win‑win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well‑being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long‑term success.

Data Privacy

To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!