Test Engineer

Elroyair; Byron (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + equity package

Comprehensive insurance package

401(k) with low-cost investment options

Paid parental leave

Flexible vacation policy

Job summary

Elroyair in Byron, California is seeking a Test Engineer to play a crucial role in the development of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft. In this position, you will ensure our hardware meets performance and safety standards through rigorous testing.

The ideal candidate has a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, along with hands-on experience in a dedicated engineering test environment. Key benefits include a competitive salary and flexible vacation policy.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in an engineering test environment.
• Hands-on experience with electric motors, propulsion systems, and battery systems.
• Strong mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses.
• Design, build, and commission custom test fixtures and equipment.
• Select, install, and calibrate sensors for data acquisition.

Skills

Electric motors

Propulsion systems

Battery systems

Data acquisition hardware

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Data processing with Python

Data analysis with MATLAB

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

National Instruments

Dewesoft

3D CAD software

Job description

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design and reality by planning, setting up, and executing rigorous tests on components, sub-systems, and integrated aircraft systems. Whether working on mechanical fixtures, electrical test benches, or environmental chambers, you will ensure our hardware meets performance, reliability, and safety standards. This role requires an adaptable engineer from an electrical, mechanical, or aerospace background who thrives in a hands‑on environment and is eager to advance the future of middle‑mile logistics.

Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Execution: Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses for structural, mechanical, environmental, and electrical components.
• Rig & Fixture Design: Design, build, and commission custom test fixtures, automated test equipment, and ground‑support equipment using CAD and rapid‑prototyping methods.
• Instrumentation & Data Acquisition: Select, install, and calibrate sensors such as strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, and pressure transducers. Configure data acquisition (DAQ) systems to capture critical test data.
• Data Analysis & Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Process raw test data to evaluate system performance against design requirements. Investigate, diagnose, and document root‑cause failures when components do not perform as expected.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Design, Systems, and Flight Test engineering teams to translate high‑level aircraft requirements into verifiable, concrete physical test criteria.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a safe testing environment by adhering to strict laboratory and field safety protocols, ensuring all documentation supports our FAA and UAS certification pathways.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of professional experience in a dedicated engineering test environment (e.g., hardware verification, environmental qualification, or physical lab testing).
• Hands‑on experience with electric motors, propulsion systems, battery systems, EV systems.
• Hands‑on experience setting up and operating data acquisition hardware (e.g., National Instruments, Dewesoft) and associated instrumentation.
• Strong mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills—comfortable parsing engineering schematics, 3D CAD models, or wiring diagrams to diagnose issues.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
• Excellent communication skills, with a track record of authoring clear, concise, and professional test reports.
• Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics industries.
• Familiarity with hardware qualification standards such as DO-160G, military standards (MIL-STD-810), or automotive equivalents.
• Experience with automated testing or hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) testing platforms.
• Experience designing structural load‑cells or thermal/environmental testing setups.

Benefits

• Competitive salary + equity package.
• Competitive insurance package including medical/dental/vision/long term disability/life.
• 401(k) with broad access to low‑cost investment funds, paid parental leave, and highly flexible vacation policy.

Position will require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Any offer for employment will be conditioned on any required authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position.