Lead Flight Test Engineer: Airship Systems & Data

Ltaresearch; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision

Parental leave

PTO + 10 paid holidays

401(k) matching up to 6%

Lunch and snacks provided

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly cell phone stipend

Yearly education stipend

Airship ride

Job summary

LTA Research & Exploration seeks a Flight Test Engineer to lead test planning, conduct THAs, and direct ground and flight tests for our large airship based at Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, CA. You will work with ground operations, engineering, and other teams to develop test plans, analyze data, and draft flight manuals and operational docs.

You’ll coordinate test readiness, safety reviews, and flight test briefings, and you may participate in FAA-related programs, with a focus on safety,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experimental flight test experience.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
• Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
• Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge.
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
• Private Pilot or higher rating.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Aptitude with Python coding.
• Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
• Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
• Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
• Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
• Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.

Responsibilities

• Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
• Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
• Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
• Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
• Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
• Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
• Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and 'squawks'.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Travel – Occasional.

Skills

Flight test planning

THA drafting

Aircraft systems familiarity

Strong communication

Python coding

AI tools familiarity

Education

Bachelor's or higher in engineering

FAA Class 3 medical eligibility

Graduate of recognized test pilot school

Private Pilot license or higher

Tools

Flight test instrumentation

FAA certification knowledge

NASA badge eligibility considerations

Job description

LTA Research & Exploration seeks a Flight Test Engineer to lead test planning, conduct THAs, and direct ground and flight tests for our large airship based at Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, CA. You will work with ground operations, engineering, and other teams to develop test plans, analyze data, and draft flight manuals and operational docs.

You’ll coordinate test readiness, safety reviews, and flight test briefings, and you may participate in FAA-related programs, with a focus on safety,