Flight Test Engineer - Autonomy, UAVs & Data Validation

Grid Aero; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity 0.2-0.3%

Job summary

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns, manage instrumentation, and analyze data from UAV tests. You will bridge software, hardware, and operations, ensuring high-quality data and actionable feedback.

Early hire will shape test processes, validation standards, and safety protocols across the team. The role collaborates with CTO and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup, with travel to Merced, CA for field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Aerospace, Robotics, Mechanical, CS).
• Experience supporting flight tests, robotics field testing, or complex system validation.
• Strong data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, onboard instrumentation, and sensor integration.
• Understanding of control systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic platforms.
• Comfort with Linux-based systems and embedded platforms.
• Experience in early-stage startups or fast-paced R&D environments.
• Interest in autonomy, AI, and aviation (direct aviation experience is a plus).
• Experience with fixed-wing envelope expansion and performance testing is a plus.
• Test Pilot School degree/certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute flight test campaigns with test cards and safety reviews.
• Act as Test Director or Ground Control Station crew for ground/flight tests.
• Own onboard and ground instrumentation setup for aircraft and support systems.
• Validate autonomy, navigation, comms, and control system performance.
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify behaviors and improvements.
• Collaborate with software, controls, and mechanical teams to close the loop on tests.
• Establish structured flight test processes, docs, and reporting frameworks.
• Travel regularly to Merced, CA for field testing (expenses covered).

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Robotics

Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science

Embedded Linux

Data analysis

Telemetry systems

Sensor integration

Autonomy stacks

Startup experience

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Linux

Job description

Grid.aero is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns, manage instrumentation, and analyze data from UAV tests. You will bridge software, hardware, and operations, ensuring high-quality data and actionable feedback.

Early hire will shape test processes, validation standards, and safety protocols across the team. The role collaborates with CTO and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup, with travel to Merced, CA for field operations.