Flight Test Engineer

Antramo; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and disability insurances

Generous PTO and paid holidays

401(k) matching up to 6%

Monthly wellness and cell phone stipends

Yearly education stipend

Fun events and airship rides

Job summary

A leading aerospace research company in Sunnyvale is seeking a motivated Flight Test Engineer to plan and execute test campaigns for next-generation airships. The role requires hands-on experience in flight test operations and system integration. Key qualifications include 3+ years in experimental flight testing and a suitable engineering degree. Attractive salary range of $85,000 to $140,000, alongside comprehensive benefits. Join a team dedicated to innovation and excellence in aerospace technology.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of flight test experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in an applicable engineering field.
• Ability to obtain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate.

Responsibilities

• Produce test documentation including plans and hazard analyses.
• Collaborate with engineers and test pilots for test objectives.
• Perform post-flight data analysis and prepare reports.

Skills

Experimental flight test experience

FAA Class 3 medical certificate

Aircraft systems familiarity

Proficiency in test planning

Technical and analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AI tools familiarity

Python coding

Job description

Our Client is an aerospace research and development company focused on building the next generation of airships that are safer, more environmentally friendly, and capable than ever before.

They are seeking a motivated, hands‑on Flight Test Engineer to join the dynamic team of engineers, designers, and technicians who bring complex ideas to reality. This is an opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields.

About The Role

The Senior Flight Test Engineer will play a critical role in the planning, execution, and analysis of flight test campaigns for a next‑generation rigid airship. This position requires hands‑on experience in flight test operations, system integration, and data analysis. The ideal candidate is an experienced flight test engineer with expertise in experimental aircraft development, particularly first flight operations. The role involves working closely with engineering teams, flight test pilots, safety personnel, and program managers to ensure the successful execution of test flights in accordance with FAA safety standards and regulatory requirements.

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.

Responsibilities

• Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
• Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
• Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
• Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
• Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
• Perform post‑flight data analysis as required.
• Prepare flight test reports and communicate non‑conformance items and "squawks".
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Travel – Occasional.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experimental flight test experience.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
• Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
• Private Pilot or higher rating.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Aptitude with Python coding.
• Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
• Experience testing Fly‑By‑Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
• Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
• Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
• Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
• $85,000 - $140,000/year
• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company‑paid life, AD&D, long‑term disability, and short‑term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable
• Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge