Flight Test Engineer

NOMAD; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company contribution

Equity participation available

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in McKinney, TX is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to develop and execute flight test programs for the RAIDER 330 UAS. The role involves comprehensive flight test planning, data analysis, and collaboration with integration engineers. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering and have over 5 years of flight test experience. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, with opportunities for field work in defense applications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of flight test experience on fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or UAS platforms.
• Proficiency with flight test data acquisition, reduction, and analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of FAA UAS regulatory framework.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage flight test program for the RAIDER 330 UAS.
• Execute flight test sorties coordinating with pilots and crew.
• Analyze flight test data and author test reports.

Skills

Flight test experience

Data acquisition and analysis (MATLAB, Python)

Written communication

Field operations experience

Education

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Delta Black Aerospace is a U.S.-based OEM redefining unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for mission‑critical defense applications. Founded and led by former Warfighters and senior industry subject matter experts, Delta Black is developing the RAIDER 330—a patented Group 3 UAS delivering Group 4 capabilities. The RAIDER 330 features true Hybrid‑Electric Propulsion (HEPS), Vertical Take‑off and Landing (VTOL) and Extreme Short Take‑off and Landing (E‑STOL). Headquartered in McKinney, TX, Delta Black moves at 5x the pace of traditional defense primes.

Position Overview

Delta Black Aerospace seeks an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze flight test campaigns for the RAIDER 330 UAS. This foundational role will develop the flight test program from initial ground runs through envelope expansion, payload integration, and operational mission profiles—including VTOL, E‑STOL, hybrid‑electric transitions, and GPS‑denied operations. The right candidate combines rigorous test methodology with operational instincts shaped by warfighter experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the RAIDER 330 flight test program, including test plans, test cards, and data requirements for all flight phases.
• Execute flight test sorties coordinating with ground pilots, safety pilots, and ground crew.
• Perform envelope expansion testing for VTOL, E‑STOL, and fixed‑wing cruise regimes, including hybrid‑electric propulsion transitions.
• Collect, reduce, and analyze flight test data; author test reports and performance characterization briefs.
• Conduct safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, and develop test safety plans for all test events.
• Coordinate flight test logistics including test site access, airspace coordination, range safety compliance, and regulatory liaison (FAA COA or COA waivers).
• Work with integration engineers to define instrumentation requirements and ensure proper data capture for all test objectives.
• Support payload integration flight tests including ISR sensor checkout, MBM module validation, and Multi‑INT platform verification.
• Conduct GPS‑denied environment testing and evaluate navigation system robustness in contested conditions.
• Document and disposition anomalies; drive corrective action to closure in coordination with design engineers.
• Prepare and brief test readiness reviews (TRRs) and present results to internal leadership and government customers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of flight test experience on fixed‑wing, rotary‑wing, or UAS platforms.
• Experience developing and executing formal flight test plans, test cards, and envelope expansion programs.
• Proficiency with flight test data acquisition, reduction, and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with FAA UAS regulatory framework including Part 107, COA operations, and BVLOS waivers.
• Strong written communication skills for test reports, anomaly reports, and briefing materials.
• Experience operating in field environments with physical demands associated with remote test site operations.
• Understanding of airworthiness documentation and configuration control in a test program context.

Preferred Qualifications

• USAF, USN, USA, or USMC flight test training (TPS graduate or equivalent service school) strongly preferred.
• Experience as a UAS operator, pilot, or rated aviator with operational flight hours.
• Background with Group 2‑5 UAS test programs.
• Experience testing VTOL or hybrid propulsion aircraft.
• Familiarity with GPS‑denied operations and contested electromagnetic environment (EMCON) test procedures.
• Experience with government test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E) programs or JOTT/JITC processes.
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Prior experience briefing senior military or government acquisition officials.

Security Clearance

Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred. U.S. citizenship required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience; equity participation available.
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Travel to test sites domestically and potentially OCONUS – this role involves meaningful field time.
• Opportunity to shape the test program for a groundbreaking defense UAS from early development through fielding.
• Direct collaboration with former Warfighters and a leadership team that has been the end user.