Flight Test Engineer

Merlin; North Kingstown (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401k with match

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

An aerospace startup is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead the flight test engineering team, supporting the development of autonomy systems. Candidates should possess a BS in Engineering and have over 5 years of experience in experimental flight tests. Key responsibilities include developing test plans, participating in flight tests, and collaborating across teams. The company offers a competitive benefits package and a dynamic work environment in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Qualifications

• 5+ years direct experience with experimental flight test.
• Knowledge of fixed wing aircraft flight dynamics.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills required.

Responsibilities

• Support development of autonomy systems through flight tests.
• Author test plans and ensure readiness for tests.
• Participate in flight tests and support analysis reports.

Skills

Experimental flight test experience

Flight dynamics knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Engineering or related subject

Tools

Linux

git

Jira

Python

Matlab

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About Merlin

Merlin is a venture backed aerospace startup building a non-human pilot to enable both reduced crew and uncrewed flight. Backed by some of the world’s leading investors, Merlin is scaling alongside our customers to begin leveraging autonomy today to solve some of aviation’s biggest challenges.

About You

Do you enjoy hands‑on testing at the cutting edge of aerospace technology? Do you enjoy fast paced problem solving? Are you self‑motivated and have a critical eye for flight safety and flight test details? Do you love the idea of more widely proliferated and safer flying machines, accessible to all? If so, you might be a good fit to lead our Flight Test Engineering team here at Merlin.

Responsibilities

• Join our flight test engineering team in supporting development of our autonomy systems by flying early and often
• Develop, and drive the application of, the processes we need to prepare for, execute, and analyze our flight tests
• Collaborate with hardware, software, flight controls, integration, and flight operation teams to develop and author test plans, ensure readiness for test, and drive efficient and effective collection of the data we need to test our systems
• Participate in flight tests, including building and approving cards, verifying procedures and software via simulation, serving as test director/conductor, and supporting generation of analysis and deficiency reports after flight

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or a related subject
• 5+ years direct experience with experimental flight test or a combination of equivalent formal training and experience
• Knowledge of basic concepts of fixed wing aircraft flight dynamics and control
• Enthusiastic willingness to do what needs to be done to help our flight test program succeed, including but not limited to: flying in airplanes, traveling to our other sites for coordination and team building, and learning new skills as necessary
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills
• Must be eligible to work in the US without visa sponsorship

Bonus

• Flight Test Engineer Professional course (NTPS, ITPS, Military TPS)
• BS in Aerospace engineering
• Experience using software development environments and tools such as Linux, git, and Jira
• Knowledge of Python and/or Matlab, especially for scripting and engineering data analysis
• Experience with flight controls product development, including testing and troubleshooting at the system level as well as at the software component level
• Experience with certification programs and flight test

Benefits

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top‑notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Equal Opportunity

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background, export control and reference checks.

At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [e-mail]

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.