Senior UAV Flight Test Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness plans

120 hours PTO plus holidays

Life Insurance $25,000

HSA option

401(k) with company match

9 paid holidays

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) seeks a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead UAV flight testing, develop test plans, and analyze flight data across multiple platforms. You will interface with design, systems, and software teams to ensure safety, reliability, and performance requirements are met in demanding environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, pre-flight checks, documentation, and collaboration with field personnel to translate findings into actionable improvements for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5-8 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with at least 3-5 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience in planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
• Experience with power distribution systems theory, design, test, or analysis.
• Experience with electric motor and controller/inverter theory, design, test, or analysis.
• Able to work with high voltage (>500V).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Understanding of structures, mechanisms, system layout, materials, and processes.
• Experience with data collection and reduction software (LabView,MatLab).
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM (or similar).
• Structural or thermal analysis of structures and systems.
• Part 107 pilot qualified, or ability to obtain
• US Citizenship Required.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing and flight-testing support for company projects.
• Develop and maintain high-quality testing documentation including detailed test plans.
• Represent testing interests when collaborating with project teams.
• Work with design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers to define test requirements.
• Collaborate with assembly and engineering personnel to test prototype units and document results.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and system checks for UAV testing readiness.
• Lead or participate in flight test execution.
• Monitor and analyze flight data in real-time to meet test objectives.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation for safe operations.
• Lead post-test debriefs to capture lessons learned.
• Create test procedures addressing field-observed product issues.
• Resolve production test issues as an engineering interface.
• Train personnel in testing techniques.
• Identify improvements to testing processes to reduce costs.
• Support system requirements, trade studies, and flight test plans.

Skills

Flight testing

Test planning

Data analysis

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

DoD DoD?

Part 107 pilot

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) seeks a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead UAV flight testing, develop test plans, and analyze flight data across multiple platforms. You will interface with design, systems, and software teams to ensure safety, reliability, and performance requirements are met in demanding environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, pre-flight checks, documentation, and collaboration with field personnel to translate findings into actionable improvements for