Senior UAV Flight Test Engineer - Lead Tests & Data

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

PTO 120 hours + holidays

Life insurance $25k

HSA

401(k) match

Paid holidays

On-site work environment

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. seeks a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead UAV flight testing, develop test plans, and analyze flight data. You will collaborate with design, systems, and software teams to define test requirements and ensure safety and reliability across multiple UAV platforms.

This on-site role in San Luis Obispo requires strong aerospace expertise and hands-on testing experience. The position emphasizes planning, executing, and leading flight tests, documenting results, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in engineering or equivalent required.
• 5–8 years in aerospace with 3–5 in UAV flight testing.
• Experience planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
• Experience with power distribution systems theory, design or analysis.
• Experience with electric motors and controllers/inverters.
• Able to work with voltages >500V.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
• Structural or thermal analysis experience.
• Part 107 pilot license or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing and flight-testing support for company projects.
• Develop and maintain testing documentation including test plans and safety protocols.
• Represent testing interests with project teams.
• Define test requirements with design, systems, and software teams.
• Collaborate with assembly and engineering to test prototype units.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections and system checks for UAV testing.
• Lead or participate in flight tests.
• Monitor and analyze flight data in real time to meet objectives.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation for safe operations.
• Lead post-test debriefs to capture lessons learned.
• Create procedures addressing field issues with test teams.
• Resolve production test issues as engineering interface.
• Train staff in testing techniques.
• Identify process improvements to reduce costs or increase test coverage.
• Assist in creating system requirements, trade studies, and test plans.
• Coordinate with suppliers and internal/external integrated teams.
• Provide manufacturing, component, and ground/flight test support.
• Investigate root causes of failures and recommend actions.
• Develop drawings, schematics, and design specs.
• Ensure circuit protection, isolation, redundancy, and fault tolerance.
• Present results via drawings, reports, and customer presentations.
• Mentor junior flight test engineers.

Skills

Strong analytical problem-solving

Excellent communication

Teamwork abilities

Flight test software

Data collection/reduction software

Microsoft Office

Structural/thermal analysis

Part 107 pilot qualified

US citizenship required

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent

Master’s degree in Aero or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

LabView

MatLab

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Flight test software

Job description

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. seeks a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead UAV flight testing, develop test plans, and analyze flight data. You will collaborate with design, systems, and software teams to define test requirements and ensure safety and reliability across multiple UAV platforms.

This on-site role in San Luis Obispo requires strong aerospace expertise and hands-on testing experience. The position emphasizes planning, executing, and leading flight tests, documenting results, and