Flight Test Engineer – HIL/GNC & Data Analysis

LTA Research; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical insurance (PPO)

Life, AD&D, long-term disability, and短

Job summary

LTA Research invites applications for a Test Engineer to join our Baby Airship flight test operations team. You will contribute to our hardware-in-the-loop workflows, support flight test plans, and help advance the sub-scale Pathfinder 1 model through data-driven analysis and rapid iteration.

You’ll work across Mechanical, Software, and GNC domains, writing flight control logic in C++/Python, validating CAN interfaces, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve fidelity and

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ programming.
• Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols.
• Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware.
• Familiarity with CAD software.
• Thrive in rapid build-test-fix iteration with cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of the sub-scale airship model.
• HIL Simulation: Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations.
• Flight Data & Analytics: Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into the GNC and sub-scale simulation models.
• Mechanical: Design and iteration of lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship.
• Software: Development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python).
• GNC: Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics.

Skills

Python

C++

Cross-functional communication

Tools

PX4 Flight Control Software

CAN protocols

CAD software

DC motors

ESC hardware

Job description

LTA Research invites applications for a Test Engineer to join our Baby Airship flight test operations team. You will contribute to our hardware-in-the-loop workflows, support flight test plans, and help advance the sub-scale Pathfinder 1 model through data-driven analysis and rapid iteration.

You’ll work across Mechanical, Software, and GNC domains, writing flight control logic in C++/Python, validating CAN interfaces, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve fidelity and