Senior Flight Test Engineer

Socket.dev; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, vision

Life, AD&D, long/short-term disability

Parental leave

PTO + 10 holidays

401(k) matching

Wellness stipend

Cell phone stipend

Education stipend

Airship swag and events

Job summary

Lighter Than Air (LTA) Research & Exploration seeks a Flight Test Engineer to lead ground and flight tests for our large airship, operating from Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, CA. You will develop test plans, THAs, and flight documentation, collaborate across teams, and ensure safe, effective flight testing.

The role requires 5+ years of flight test experience, a engineering degree, and ability to obtain FAA Class 3 medical clearance as well as NASA Moffett Field badge.

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.

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.

Skills

Flight test experience

Test planning

Hazard analyses

Aircraft systems knowledge

Communication skills

FAA medical eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Telemetry systems

Test instrumentation

Job description

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to operate within the Flight Test team. Candidate will work with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. We’re looking for an engineer to foster safe, effective flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans and test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground and flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable
• Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge

SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance)

LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications.

We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use.

Message Frequency & Opt-Out

Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP.

Consent & Privacy

Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience.

We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone.

We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology.

Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.