Senior UAV Flight Test Engineer

Zone 5 Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with company-match

4 weeks paid time off

12 company holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking experienced Flight Test Engineers to plan, certify, and fly UAVs (UAS) across test ranges in California and CONUS/OCONUS locations. The role emphasizes developing test plans, executing tests, and analyzing data to ensure safety, performance, and reliability of Level I–IV UAS.

Travel to test sites and occasional demonstrations at various locations are expected; comfort with outdoor environments and weather while maintaining rigorous safety standards is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering or related field.
• 5–8 years in aerospace engineering with 3–5 years in UAV flight testing or related field.
• Proven experience planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed flight test plans with objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resources.
• Collaborate with design, systems, and software teams to define test requirements.
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and standards.
• Lead or participate in flight test execution, including piloting UAVs remotely when required.
• Monitor and analyze flight data to ensure test objectives are met and report findings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Flight test software

Telemetry knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Telemetry

Flight control systems

Job description

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking experienced Flight Test Engineers to plan, certify, and fly UAVs (UAS) across test ranges in California and CONUS/OCONUS locations. The role emphasizes developing test plans, executing tests, and analyzing data to ensure safety, performance, and reliability of Level I–IV UAS.

Travel to test sites and occasional demonstrations at various locations are expected; comfort with outdoor environments and weather while maintaining rigorous safety standards is essential.