Reliability Test Engineer

Neon Aero; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 123,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity participation

Full health benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k)

Job summary

Neon Aero in Irvine, California is seeking a Senior Test and Evaluation Engineer. This role involves leading test campaigns for aircraft components, building test infrastructure, and analyzing performance data. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in test automation tools like LabVIEW and strong communication skills are essential. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, including equity participation and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace or electromechanical test engineering.
• Hands-on experience with sensors, DAQ systems, and vibration analysis.
• Ability to comply with ITAR and export control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution of test campaigns for aircraft components.
• Translate engineering questions into actionable data and insights.
• Build test infrastructure for various aircraft subsystems.

Skills

Electromechanical test engineering

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Test automation

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can't keep up. At Neon Aero, we're breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start‑up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI‑driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.

Here, you won't just take a job — you'll help reinvent how the world flies. If you're ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Aviation is at a breaking point and Neon Aero is building what comes next. We design and test next‑generation hybrid‑electric propulsion and advanced aircraft systems with a Silicon Valley pace: design, build, test, iterate. As a Senior Test and Evaluation Engineer, you will help prove the performance, reliability, and compliance of the electromechanical hardware that makes flight possible. You will lead the strategy, setup, execution, and analysis behind critical test campaigns for manned and unmanned aircraft components, translating complex engineering questions into crisp data, actionable insights, and verified performance.

Why This Role Matters

• You will own how Neon validates critical aircraft hardware, helping ensure components perform safely, reliably, and as intended.
• You will architect and build the test infrastructure needed to evaluate actuators, motors, cabin pressure control systems, and related propulsion and aircraft subsystems.
• You will translate requirements into rigorous verification plans, execute meaningful test campaigns, and drive design improvement through data.
• You will partner closely with Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering teams to accelerate development through fast, disciplined iteration.
• You will help define scalable internal test standards and quality practices aligned with FAA expectations as Neon grows.
• This is an onsite role embedded in a hands‑on engineering and test environment where speed, accountability, and technical rigor matter.
• The workload is fast-paced and milestone-driven, with opportunities to take high ownership and influence both product performance and test culture.

What you’ll Bring

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace or electromechanical test engineering.
• Working fluency with DO-160 and familiarity with DO-254 principles.
• Hands‑on experience with sensors, DAQ systems, load cells, thermocouples, strain gauges, and vibration analysis.
• Experience building and maintaining test stands, dynamometers, fixtures, and instrumentation setups.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, and/or C++ for test automation, monitoring, and data analysis.
• CAD experience using SolidWorks or NX for fixture and test setup design.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to solve complex hardware test problems.
• Ability to work onsite in a laboratory and engineering development environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift typical lab equipment, and work directly with prototype hardware and test rigs.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to comply with applicable ITAR, export control, and facility access requirements.

Preferred

• FAA certification exposure for manned systems.
• Background in power electronics, propulsion components, or actuator systems.
• Experience in a startup or rapid‑development environment with a strong bias toward execution, iteration, and disciplined documentation.

Why Join Us

• Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech.
• Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard.
• Shape solutions that are lower‑cost, autonomous, and scalable — the future of aviation.
• Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full health benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k) designed to support you in and out of work.

Location‑Specific Pay Range

$110,000—$123,750 USD

Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiters or staffing agencies.