Flight Test & Performance Engineer

Knightwerx; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Knightwerx is seeking an engineer to help analyze, test, and validate systems powering next-generation unmanned aircraft. You will work across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, electrical systems, and flight operations to understand performance, build test infrastructure, and transform engineering models into flight-ready results.

This hands-on position requires turning data into decisions and bridging analysis, testing, and aircraft development in a fast-growing, American-made aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelors in aerospace, mechanical or related engineering field.
• Experience validating aerospace or high-performance systems.
• Strong data analysis, testing, and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test programs for aircraft components and subsystems.
• Analyze performance of aerodynamics, propulsion, batteries and assemblies.
• Design test fixtures, instrumentation, and validation procedures.
• Define measurement requirements and select sensors and DAQ hardware.
• Analyze test results vs predictions and simulations.
• Develop automated data acquisition, processing and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with aeromechanical, electrical and flight software engineers.
• Support component development, aircraft integration, and flight tests.
• Contribute to modeling, validation and verification methodologies.

Skills

Data analysis

Test program development

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

XFLR5

XFOIL

XPROP

Job description

Validate the Performance Behind Autonomous Flight

We're looking for an engineer to help analyze, test, and validate the systems that power next-generation unmanned aircraft.

In this role, you'll work across aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, electrical systems, and flight operations to understand how aircraft components and systems perform in the real world. You'll develop test plans, build test infrastructure, analyze results, and help transform engineering models into validated flight-ready performance.

This is a hands-on engineering position for someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems, turning data into decisions, and bridging the gap between analysis, testing, and aircraft development.

Technical Challenges You Will Tackle

• Develop and execute test programs for aircraft components and subsystems.
• Analyze the performance of aerodynamic surfaces, propulsion systems, batteries, motors, and aircraft assemblies.
• Design and develop test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and validation procedures.
• Define measurement requirements and select sensors, data acquisition systems, and supporting hardware.
• Analyze test results and compare measured data against analytical predictions and simulation results.
• Develop automated data acquisition, processing, and reporting tools.
• Work closely with aeromechanical, electrical, and flight software engineers to improve vehicle performance.
• Support component development, aircraft integration activities, and flight test campaigns.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of modeling, validation, and verification methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience supporting aerospace, UAV, robotics, automotive, defense, motorsports, or other high-performance engineering programs.
• Experience performing engineering analysis, testing, validation, and performance assessment of mechanical or aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of aircraft performance, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and energy storage systems.
• Experience designing and executing engineering test programs.
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in MATLAB and aerospace analysis tools such as XFLR5, XFOIL, XPROP, or similar.
• Experience with flight test, propulsion test, or wind tunnel data analysis.
• Experience developing automated data acquisition and analysis software.Familiarity with instrumentation systems, sensors, and test hardware.
• Experience building, modifying, or operating RC aircraft.

About Knightwerx

Knightwerx develops American-made, AI-powered unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing technologies that support human-machine teaming in mission-critical environments. We build next-generation aerospace and autonomy solutions for both commercial and government customers where performance, speed, and reliability matter.

As a growing company, we offer the opportunity to work close to the mission, close to the product, and close to the decisions that shape what gets built.

Additional Information

• Onsite position in Scottsdale, AZ
• Relocation assistance available for this role