Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, California, United States

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting‑edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

Mach develops UAS platforms in various stages of flight test development. This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS aircraft. You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads on generating and executing test plans. Responsibilities will include the development of test CONOP planning, procedures, test reviews, safety analysis, test preparations, and post‑flight test reviews.

Testing is conducted on private and DoD ranges, and will require out‑of‑state and possibly OCONUS travel on occasion. This person will be in a prime position to help build the future flight team as products and operations scale over the next year.

Central coordination for flight test operations.

Inform the engineering team on key requirements for systems checks, data systems etc.

Be a driving force in building out test infrastructure at primary test sites and outfitting test equipment, GCS etc.

Conduct/lead team through testing workflow, including test planning preparations, readiness reviews, dry runs, day of test, and post‑test reviews.

Keep the product development team informed of all requirements.

Help construct program flight test campaigns with system, GNC, and energetics engineers.

Coordinating and planning of flight test demos.

Technical advisor on test operations.

Perform safety analysis and maintain company safety policies.

Engineering degree required unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.

Minimum of 5 years in related aerospace with preferably UAS flight test engineering.

Multi‑talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements.

Self led and passionate about responsibility to be a key contributor in building flight test capability.

Willing to be in the field regularly for 1-3 days.

Willing to travel to various test ranges.

Good written communication to write briefs, test reports, and formalize test forms/ processes.

Experience with mission planner and other GCS software is a plus.

Willingness to travel internationally.

Holds private pilot license or part 107.

Private pilot, R/C aircraft nut, loves anything to do with aviation.

Good candor in high‑pressure situations.

Highly organized and good with data collection and storage.

Not phased by being in the field somewhat regularly.

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITARhere .

$105,000 - $140,000 USD

$140,000 - $180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries
  :
  We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry…