Senior Flight Test Engineer - UAV & Aircraft Validation

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Palmdale (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Palmdale, CA, seeks an experienced Flight Test Engineer to join the Flight Operations Team.

The role focuses on coordinating developmental flight tests for new airframe, software, hardware, and payload capabilities, collaborating with design engineers, test pilots, and test & evaluation engineers. The position entails leading safety reviews, ensuring test plan adherence, and guiding the test process from development to certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related technical field.
• Experience as Flight Test Engineer or Test Director on fixed-wing aircraft.
• Experience creating and executing detailed test plans and test reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English.
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate flight test activities and communicate with design engineers and pilots.
• Perform safety analysis of risks, hazards, and mitigation strategies in flight test plans.
• Review test points and run cards for safe execution of flight maneuvers.
• Represent Flight Operations on design review boards and test readiness reviews.
• Assist in compiling technical documents and advising on flight test risks.

Skills

Flight test coordination

Safety analysis

Test planning

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) in Palmdale, CA, seeks an experienced Flight Test Engineer to join the Flight Operations Team.

The role focuses on coordinating developmental flight tests for new airframe, software, hardware, and payload capabilities, collaborating with design engineers, test pilots, and test & evaluation engineers. The position entails leading safety reviews, ensuring test plan adherence, and guiding the test process from development to certification.