Flight Test Engineer

Ltaresearch; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance (PPO)

Life/AD&D & disability insurance

Parental leave

PTO + holidays

401(k) matching

Lunch & snacks provided

Wellness stipend

Cell phone stipend

Education stipend

Airship-related events

Job summary

Ltaresearch is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to join the Flight Test team at Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, CA. You will develop test plans, lead ground and flight tests, analyze data, and prepare reports while coordinating with multiple teams to ensure safe, efficient flight testing of our large airship.

You will contribute to AFM development and operational documents and participate in test readiness, safety reviews, and test briefings.

Qualifications

• 1–3+ years of experimental flight test experience
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in an applicable engineering field
• Ability to obtain FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better)
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations
• Proficiency in test planning and drafting THAs/aircraft procedures
• Ability to lead development and execution of complex flight tests
• Strong technical and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Experience with flight test instrumentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school
• Private Pilot or higher rating
• Familiarity with AI tools
• Aptitude with Python coding
• Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft
• Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and propulsion systems
• Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance
• Understanding of human factors and cockpit design
• FAA certification test program experience and knowledge of FARs
• Must obtain NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge

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.

Skills

Flight test

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or higher in engineering

Tools

Python programming

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA.

We’re looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test ‘firsts’ and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. 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

• 1-3+ 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.
• 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.In
• Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
• Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge.

Benefits

• 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

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.