Senior Flight Test Engineer

Vertical Aviation International; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) Retirement Savings

Equity grants

Unlimited PTO

Generous holidays

Parental leave

Lifestyle Spending Account

FSA / DCFSA / HSA

Life insurance + disability

Mental health resources

Job summary

Firestorm Labs is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to advance UAV flight control and automation through rigorous testing. You will design and execute detailed flight test plans, lead test briefs, and work with autonomy and integration teams to ensure safety and reliability across mission profiles.

You will conduct in-depth data analysis, develop instrumentation, and produce technical artifacts for internal and customer deliverables, while ensuring FAA and ITAR compliance and a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, or related field; hands-on experience acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 5 years as a flight test engineer focusing on autonomous or remotely piloted systems.
• US Citizenship due to ITAR; ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead developmental flight testing with sub-scale and full-scale UAVs in dynamic environments.
• Design and document environmental stress tests including vibration and thermal checks.
• Create detailed flight test plans, safety procedures, and test cards for aircraft.
• Act as test conductor during flights, manage Go/No-Go criteria and briefs.
• Plan and lead ground tests for system validation including risk assessments.
• Analyze test data using DOE, regression analysis, and other methods.
• Develop test setups and data acquisition tools for repeatable validation.
• Coordinate with autonomy, software, hardware teams to define test requirements.

Skills

Flight test engineering

Autonomous systems

Instrumentation and data systems

DOE / Design of Experiments

Data analysis

Technical writing

System integration feedback

Cross-functional collaboration

Python / scripting

C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C++

Job description

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors—regardless of their defense budget—through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.”As a VC‑backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission‑adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world‑class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost.Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting‑edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

About the Role

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced Senior Flight Test Engineer to join our Flight Test Team. We are advancing flight control and automation technology through rigorous and continuous flight testing. As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you will play a key role in validating and maturing Firestorm’s UAV platforms across a wide range of mission profiles and test environments. In this role, you will lead the design and execution of detailed flight test plans and ground tests, prioritize flight safety at every stage, and work directly with our flight test team, autonomy engineers and aircraft integration teams. You’ll provide technical guidance in the integration of test objectives, instrumentation and data systems.

This position is ideal for a highly capable engineer who thrives in complex test environments, understands both systems‑level design and hands‑on execution, and is eager to shape the next generation of uncrewed aerial vehicles. You’ll act as a test conductor during flights, run test readiness and debriefs, and generate technical artifacts that support internal development and customer deliverables.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute developmental flight testing using sub‑scale and full‑scale UAVs in dynamic environments
• Design, execute, and document environmental stress testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, moisture/ingress, and fatigue
• Create and refine detailed flight test plans, test cards, and safety procedures for both engineering and production aircraft
• Serve as test conductor during flight events, leading briefs, managing Go/No‑Go criteria, and ensuring test discipline
• Plan, organize, and lead ground tests to support system validation, including risk assessments and readiness reviews
• Analyze test data using techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE), regression analysis, etc. to drive engineering decisions
• Build custom test setups, fixtures, and data acquisition tools for controlled, repeatable validation campaigns
• Research, source, and operate flight instrumentation; ensure calibration and signal integrity for flight‑critical data
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including autonomy, software, hardware engineers and product leads, to define test requirements
• Analyze post‑flight data using tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or Python‑based tools; identify trends, anomalies, and performance gaps
• Track and document flight squawks, ensuring proper resolution and traceability
• Ensure test instrumentation and sensor integration are safe for flight and meet system design intent
• Conduct thorough technical risk assessments and ensure compliance with FAA and internal safety regulations
• Document test results, root cause analyses, and corrective actions; communicate findings to both internal and external stakeholders
• Contribute to the standardization of test documentation, tools, and processes across programs.
• Coordinate with private and government test ranges to conduct flight testing and obtain appropriate regulatory approvals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, or a related field; may substitute equivalent hands‑on experience in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a flight test engineer, with a strong emphasis on autonomous, or remotely piloted systems
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• Willingness to obtain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Familiarity with flight documentation including checklists, test cards, and post‑flight reports
• Experience working collaboratively with technical teams to provide feedback on system performance and reliability
• Demonstrated ability to design, coordinate, and execute full lifecycle flight test programs, including planning, instrumentation, and reporting.
• Experience creating and executing test procedures for system integration, performance evaluation, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven skill in collecting and analyzing test data, identifying anomalies, and recommending design improvements.
• Familiarity with FAA regulations, military airspace, and safety protocols for UAS operations.
• Experience reading engineering design documents, system architectures, and customer requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to clearly present technical information to cross‑functional teams and customers.
• Strong technical writing skills for documentation, SOPs, and manufacturing procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a flight test engineer, with a strong emphasis on autonomous, or remotely piloted systems
• 2+ years of RPIC experience
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Experience supporting or participating in defense or military flight test environments
• Experience writing test plans for FAA certification programs and producing customer‑facing reports
• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools for analyzing and visualizing test data
• Hands‑on experience with flight instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data acquisition toolsProficiency with C++, Python, or scripting for automation and data post‑processing
• Background in signal processing techniques and instrumentation design
• Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) or similar methods for system testing and optimization
• Strong understanding of environmental test standards (MIL-STD, RTCA/DO, etc.) and experience designing tests to these specifications
• Comfortable in a startup or rapid R&D environment, with evolving scope and high autonomy
• Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development
• FAA Class III (or higher) Medical Certificate

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
• This role requires an on‑site presence
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically for flight testing, field operations, integration events, & customer support.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite flight operations & testing.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed.
• This role will include working in an outdoor environment under various weather conditions.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non‑climate‑controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast‑paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team‑based responsibilities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment.Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Compensation

US Salary Range: $95,000 - $165,000 USD

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long‑term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm.Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work‑life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can provide the support you need.