Flight Test Engineer - HIL/GNC, PX4, Python/C++

LTA Research; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision—

Company-paid life, AD&D, disability

Job summary

LTA Research & Exploration is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of a sub-scale airship model. You will integrate with HIL testing and flight prototyping workflows, work on flight test plans, and analyze flight data to improve our sub-scale Pathfinder 1 model.

Responsibilities include preparing and executing weekly flight tests, validating hardware-software integrations, and collaborating with GNC to refine vehicle dynamics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments.
• Proficiency in Python or C++.
• Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN.
• Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware.
• Familiar with CAD software.
• Strong cross-functional communication in fast iterating environments.

Responsibilities

• Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of our 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

Flight test planning

Tools

PX4 Flight Control Software

CAN protocol

CAD software

DC motors / ESC

Job description

LTA Research & Exploration is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of a sub-scale airship model. You will integrate with HIL testing and flight prototyping workflows, work on flight test plans, and analyze flight data to improve our sub-scale Pathfinder 1 model.

Responsibilities include preparing and executing weekly flight tests, validating hardware-software integrations, and collaborating with GNC to refine vehicle dynamics.