Lead Flight Test Engineer

Redwire; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Disability insurance

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

ESPP

Job summary

Redwire invites a Lead Flight Test Engineer to join our defense tech team in San Luis Obispo. You will plan and execute tests for components, subsystems and UAVs, lead small cross‑functional teams, and provide field diagnostics support.

Candidates have a BS in aerospace/mechanical, 6+ years formal test experience, and ability to travel up to 25% to client sites and other locations.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar).
• At least 6 years' experience in conducting formal test at component, subsystem, and system level.
• At least 4 years' experience in conducting test of aircraft/UAVs.
• Experience generating formal test plans and reports.

Responsibilities

• Develop test plans from design and test requirements.
• Lead the conduct of tests and coordinate personnel to achieve goals.
• Provide detailed and helpful feedback to design activities.
• Travel up to 25% to other company locations and client sites.

Skills

Flight Test Engineering

UAV Testing

Test Planning

Leadership

Team Collaboration

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Description WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA FLSA STATUS: Exempt SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $163,000 to $203,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Summary

The Lead Flight Test Engineer works with engineers and other functions to ensure component, subsystem, and system/aircraft tests are well planned and well executed. They are energetic in participating in projects to draw out test requirements early, ensuring test complexity is understood up front, and that testing objectives can be met by the allotted equipment and time. The Lead Test Engineer also works closely with personnel providing support to customers and operators, providing their expertise to diagnose and resolve issues in the field. The Lead Test Engineer leads small teams of mixed functions through test activities and takes ownership of those activities.

Responsibilities

• Working with design and test requirements to generate test plans
• Evaluates testing standards required for various efforts, and incorporates into plans
• Leads the conduct of tests and coordinates other personnel to accomplish test goals.
• Provides detailed and helpful feedback, both formal and informal, to design activities
• Assists all functions in resolution of issues
• Communicates plans and status vs. plans to leadership
• This role will require up to 25% travel to other company locations and client sites

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar)
• At least 6 years' experience in conducting formal test at the component, subsystem, and system level
• At least 4 years' experience in conducting test of aircraft/UAVs
• Experience generating formal test plans and reports
• Test Planning
• Test setup and field equipment deployment, including remote locations
• Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting
• Working cooperatively with a team
• Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience generating formal test plans and reports in government format(s)
• Experience generating test plans based on formal requirements documents
• Experience working with CAN and Ethernet data
• UAV operation
• Radio Control or other flight skills

Redwire Defense Tech Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

Clearance Requirements

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.