Senior UAV Flight Test Engineer (On-Site in SLO)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness plans

120 hours PTO + holidays

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

HSA

Paid holidays - 9

Casual work environment

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze UAV flight tests. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test strategies, ensure safety, and deliver reliable flight test data across multiple platforms.

The role requires a strong aerospace background, hands-on UAV testing experience, and the ability to mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 5–8 years in aerospace, with 3–5 years UAV flight testing.
• Experience with power distribution, motors, and high voltage.

Responsibilities

• Provide testing and flight-testing support for company projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed testing plans and safety protocols.
• Lead or participate in flight tests and analyze flight data.
• Collaborate with design, systems, and software teams on test requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor junior flight test engineers and train staff.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

UAV flight testing

Flight test planning

Power distribution theory

Motor/controller theory

High voltage handling

LabView/MatLab data

Flight test software

SolidWorks/PDM

Part 107 pilot

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

LabView

MatLab

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze UAV flight tests. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test strategies, ensure safety, and deliver reliable flight test data across multiple platforms.

The role requires a strong aerospace background, hands-on UAV testing experience, and the ability to mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced, on-site environment.