Flight Test Engineer

Poseidon Aerospace; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Poseidon Aerospace is seeking a Test Engineer to lead the testing of unmanned cargo aircraft. This role involves planning and executing comprehensive test procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring validation of design performance. The ideal candidate has experience with aerospace systems, strong problem-solving skills, and proficiency in tools like MATLAB and Python. Join us in San Francisco to contribute to innovative projects in commercial logistics and defense missions.

Qualifications

• Experience with test procedures for aerospace systems or vehicles.
• Knowledge of test data acquisition and instrumentation.
• Understanding of avionics testing principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document test procedures for aircraft systems.
• Plan and perform ground and flight tests.
• Collect and analyze test data, prepare performance metrics.

Skills

Test data analysis

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Experience planning and conducting tests for aerospace systems

Background in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Excel

CAD software

Job description

About Poseidon Aerospace: Poseidon Aerospace builds and operates unmanned planes for commercial logistics and defense missions. Our two full-size fixed-wing platforms - Heron, a seaplane, and Egret, a STOL aircraft - can carry two tons of payload over a thousand nautical miles. We are headquartered in San Francisco with satellite offices in Washington, DC and Maine.

As a Test Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of all testing for our unmanned cargo aircraft. You’ll own the validation process from defining test objectives and procedures to carrying out hardware and flight tests and analyzing results. This role requires a systems-level understanding of aircraft, a structured approach to testing, and the ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document test procedures for aircraft systems, subsystems, and full-vehicle evaluations
• Plan and perform ground, structural, propulsion, and flight tests to validate design performance and reliability
• Design and build custom test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
• Work with avionics, propulsion, and structural engineers to define test goals, criteria, and measurement methods
• Collect and analyze test data, prepare performance metrics, and create technical reports
• Lead pre-test briefings and post-test reviews to communicate results and recommendations
• Maintain traceability between requirements, test procedures, and validation results
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and test iteration during development
• Keep test logs, calibration records, and configuration documentation up to date
• Improve test methods, safety practices, and documentation standards

Ideal Qualifications

• Experience planning and conducting tests for aerospace systems or vehicles
• Knowledge of test data acquisition, instrumentation, and sensor calibration
• Understanding of structural, propulsion, and avionics testing principles
• Familiarity with strain gauges, load cells, thermocouples, and pressure sensors
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, or Excel for test data analysis and visualization
• Knowledge of test documentation, requirements tracking, and validation workflows
• Ability to design simple fixtures or harnesses for test setups
• Hands‑on and detail-oriented with strong problem‑solving skills

Nice to have

• Experience with flight test data analysis and telemetry systems
• Background in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering
• Familiarity with environmental testing such as temperature or vibration
• Knowledge of composite structure testing
• Experience developing propulsion or powertrain test stands
• Skill with CAD software for fixture design
• Experience writing scripts for data reduction or automation
• Understanding of FAA or MIL-STD test documentation standards

Even if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.