Senior Structural Test Engineer

JetZero; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

10 paid holidays

401(k)

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Equity tax advisory services

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company based in North Carolina is seeking an experienced Test Engineer with over 15 years in the field. The role includes leading planning and execution of extensive engineering tests and mentoring engineers. Candidates must possess a relevant degree and have deep knowledge of certification requirements. The position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000–$180,000 alongside benefits such as unlimited PTO and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in test engineering or composites research.
• Strong knowledge of certification campaign requirements.
• Hands-on experience with complex systems instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of engineering development testing.
• Define test objectives and align with mission requirements.
• Perform post-test data analysis and reporting.

Skills

Test engineering leadership

Communication skills

Technical composition

Troubleshooting complex systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Test instrumentation

Job description

Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall.

JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel.

The JetZero team

We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon‑free flight that is better for both passengers and airlines around the world.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of engineering development testing, manufacturing development articles, and certification tests for the North Carolina Composites Center (NC3) laboratory.
• Develop, review, and approve test plans, procedures, verification matrices, and configuration baselines.
• Define test objectives, success criteria, and sequencing aligned with mission requirements and airframe architecture.
• Lead coordination across engineering disciplines on detailed definition of laboratory requirements & architecture, to ensure laboratories meet near‑term and long‑term objectives.
• Support supply chain in supply engagement for acquisition of capital assets for the laboratories.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness, interface compatibility, and controlled configuration changes.
• Lead real‑time test execution, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination with engineering and operations teams.
• Perform and oversee post‑test data analysis, discrepancy resolution, and formal test reporting.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering technical growth and disciplined engineering practices.
• Drive continuous improvement of test processes, documentation, and lab infrastructure.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer engagements.
• Contribute to accreditation, certification, or compliance activities as required.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related technical field.
• 15+ years of experience in test engineering, materials & processes engineering, or composites research & development.
• Strong understanding of building block certification campaign requirements.
• Strong understanding of composites manufacturing development, and importance of design for manufacturing standards.
• Demonstrated experience authoring test plans, procedures, and formal test documentation.
• Hands‑on experience with test instrumentation, automation, and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage lab environments.
• Excellent technical judgment, communication skills, and decision‑making in dynamic test environments.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Prior leadership of test labs or composite airframe development facilities.

Compensation

Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $160,000–180,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise.

• Unlimited PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 401(k)
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Equity tax advisory services

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.