Flight Test Engineer

Machindustries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative defense manufacturing company is seeking a skilled Flight Test Engineer to lead operations for UAS platforms. This role involves developing and executing test plans, coordinating flight test operations, and collaborating with engineering teams. You will play a crucial role in building the future flight team as the company scales its operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace engineering, excellent communication skills, and a passion for aviation. Join a forward-thinking firm committed to excellence and making a difference in defense technology.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Professional Development Opportunities

Equity Grants

Qualifications

• 5+ years in aerospace, preferably with UAS flight test engineering.
• Strong understanding of flight test development and operations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee flight test operations and infrastructure.
• Conduct safety analysis and maintain safety policies.

Skills

Flight Test Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Test Operations

Data Analysis

Written Communication

Education

Engineering Degree

Tools

Mission Planner Software

GCS Software

Job description

Mach is a defense manufacturing company that builds munitions to help the United States win future wars. Backed by $85M in funding from top venture firms, our small lean team ideates, designs, manufactures, and sells cutting-edge weapons to the Department of Defense.

Role Summary:

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/led 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.

Minimum 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.

Ideal Candidate:

• 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.

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.

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!