Flight Test Engineer — HIL & GNC Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

Company-paid life and disability

Parental leave

Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays

401(k) matching up to 6%

Lunch and snacks provided

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly cell phone stipend

Education stipend

Job summary

LTA Research & Exploration is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of the Baby Airship sub‑scale model. You will join a cross‑functional team, work with flight test plans, prepare tests, and analyze flight data to advance the fidelity and capabilities of Pathfinder 1.

The role spans HIL lab testing, development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, embedded software work in C++/Python, and collaboration with GNC engineers to author flight test

Qualifications

• 3+ years in aerospace/robotics/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 and cross-functional teamwork

Responsibilities

• Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of the sub-scale airship model
• Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations
• Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into GNC and sub-scale simulation models
• Design and iterate lightweight mechanical components for the Baby Airship
• Develop flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python)
• Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics

Skills

Python

C++

PX4

CAN

DC motors

CAD

Cross-functional communication

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

LTA Research & Exploration is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of the Baby Airship sub‑scale model. You will join a cross‑functional team, work with flight test plans, prepare tests, and analyze flight data to advance the fidelity and capabilities of Pathfinder 1.

The role spans HIL lab testing, development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, embedded software work in C++/Python, and collaboration with GNC engineers to author flight test