Senior Test Engineer

Red Cat Holdings; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Possible Bonuses

Job summary

RedCat Aerial, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and integrate mechanical systems for flight hardware and ground control systems. This role focuses on drone platforms and multi-axis gimbals in high-volume production, with initial work in Carson before moving to Torrance in 2026.

You will validate designs through DOE, data collection, and rigorous testing, collaborating across teams to ensure reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in reliability, product validation, or mechanical test engineering.
• Hands-on experience designing and building custom test setups and data acquisition systems (image capture, vibration analysis, thermal measurement, EMC/EMI).
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical analysis in product testing and reliability evaluation.
• Strong organizational planning and capability to develop validation strategy.

Responsibilities

• Create custom test fixtures, automation, and data acquisition systems for robust validation.
• Apply DOE, life data analysis, and other statistics to support decisions.
• Collaborate with supplier quality and purchasing for component qualification and test validation.
• Contribute to DFMEA/PFMEA and propose test strategies addressing top failure modes.
• Support root cause investigations and drive corrective actions through testing and analysis.

Skills

DOE

Data acquisition

Vibration analysis

Teamwork & communication

Statistical analysis

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or related

Tools

EMC/EMI measurement

Thermal measurement

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Flightwave - Torrance, CA 90503, Salary Range: $113,965.00 - $178,135.00 Salary, Position Summary

RedCat Aerial, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Mechanical Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, prototyping, fabricating, testing, and integrating a range of mechanical systems into flight hardware and ground control systems. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical design of drones and/or multi-axis camera gimbals in high volume production applications.

Location Note: The role will start in Carson, but the office is expected to move to the Torrance area in Q1 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create custom test fixtures, automation, and data acquisition systems as needed to enable robust, repeatable validation.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE), life data analysis, and other statistical techniques (e.g., capability analysis, regression, Weibull analysis) to extract insights and support engineering decisions.
• Partner with supplier quality and purchasing teams to support component qualification, test method validation, and vendor development efforts
• Contribute to and review risk management deliverables (e.g., DFMEA/PFMEA) and propose test strategies that address top failure modes.
• Support root cause investigations and drive corrective actions through structured test and analysis methods.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications - The following qualifications are required for any position:

Education: Minimum education (e.g., Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field).

Experience: Required years of relevant experience (e.g., 5+ yrs project management or sales).

Skills: Key skills for success: Proficiency with tools. Strong communication and teamwork.

Certifications: Any certifications needed or preferred (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma).

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in reliability, product validation, or mechanical test engineering.
• Hands-on experience designing and building custom test setups, data acquisition systems (image capture, vibration analysis, thermal measurement, EMC/EMI measurement, etc)
• Hands-on experience developing and executing qualification test plans for complex electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to apply statistical analysis in the context of product testing and reliability evaluation.
• Strong organizational planning skills and enthusiasm to develop high-level validation strategy

Additional Desired Qualifications - The requirements below are desired knowledge, skills and/or abilities we desire but not required.

• Familiarity with industry-specific environmental test standards (MIL-STD-810, DO-160, etc.) and associated test methods.
• Experience with lightweight aerostructures, vibrations, fatigue analysis, etc.
• Experience with UAS systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, etc.
• Experience with BLDC motor system design, integration, and validation
• Proficiency in PCB layout, design, and component placement for electromechanical systems
• Industry experience in robotics, UAVs/drones, autonomous systems, or similar hardware‑driven environments
• Familiarity with camera modules, imaging systems, and optical component integration
• Knowledge of structural composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass) and related mold or tooling design
• Experience performing or interpreting analyses such as thermal, aerodynamic, or transient vibration simulation

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Be able to lift 15 lb
• Work on your feet for 5+ hours each day

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation

Salary Range $113,965 - $178,135 plus equity and possible bonuses