Flight Test Lead [US/UK]

Radicalaero; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Radical is building high-altitude solar-powered aircraft designed to fly continuously in the stratosphere from our Seattle office. We are assembling a dynamic team of engineers and builders to propel our technology to the next level.

As Flight Test Lead you will develop flight test plans, oversee preparations and execution, and work with partners to ensure safe, successful testing of prototype autonomous aircraft systems. You will join a small, agile, interdisciplinary team in Seattle.

Qualifications

• Proven experience executing flight test programs for aerospace systems.
• Experience operating or testing uncrewed aircraft platforms.
• Experience coordinating testing programs with multiple stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience working with government agencies on innovative aerospace technologies.
• Familiarity with aircraft airworthiness and maintenance standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive flight test plans for prototype autonomous stratospheric aircraft systems
• Lead the preparation for and execution of flight tests, including pre-flight checks, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight analyses
• Work with testing partners to coordinate flight testing activities
• Manage technical risks and ensure the safety of all flight testing operations
• Guide test teams and prototype systems to readiness for flight test
• Support the creation of operational requirements and procedures for new aircraft systems
• Work with engineering teams to complete analysis and reports from flight test activities

Skills

Flight test planning

Autonomous UAS testing

Stakeholder coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Aerospace testing

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

At Radical, we’re embarking on a mission to revolutionize how we connect and observe our planet. Our focus is on taking aerospace technology to new heights – literally. We are building high-altitude solar-powered aircraft designed to fly continuously in the stratosphere.

To date, we have successfully validated our technology using a subscale solar aircraft, which has flown non-stop for over 24 hours. Now, we are assembling a dynamic team of engineers and builders ready to propel our technology to the next level.

If you’re passionate about advancing innovative technology and love challenging engineering projects, Radical is the startup for you. Join us and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Core responsibilities

As Flight Test Lead you will be responsible for conducting flight tests of new aircraft systems at Radical. This role will work closely with engineering teams to develop and execute the test programs that take Radical to the stratosphere. You will be based at our office in Seattle, WA, collaborating closely with our small, agile, and interdisciplinary team. You will:

• Develop comprehensive flight test plans for prototype autonomous stratospheric aircraft systems
• Lead the preparation for and execution of flight tests, including pre-flight checks, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight analyses
• Work with testing partners to coordinate flight testing activities
• Manage technical risks and ensure the safety of all flight testing operations
• Guide test teams and prototype systems to readiness for flight test
• Support the creation of operational requirements and procedures for new aircraft systems
• Work with engineering teams to complete analysis and reports from flight test activities

Required skills

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, or similar
• Demonstrated experience executing flight test programs for new aerospace systems
• Experience operating or testing uncrewed aircraft platforms
• Experience coordinating testing programs with multiple stakeholders and external partners
• Experience working with government agencies, with a focus on innovative aerospace technologies
• Experience developing procedures for test or operational workflows
• Familiarity with aircraft airworthiness and maintenance standards

Preferred (but not required) skills

• Experience working with HALE UAS platforms
• MS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, or similar
• Experience conducting beyond line of sight UAS operations

Radical is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, and we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community and promotes inclusion. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to fostering innovation, collaboration, and success, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.

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