Chief Flight Test Engineer

Fruition Group is partnering with a fast-growing drone technology company to find their next Chief Flight Test Engineer. Our client needs an experienced, hands-on flight test leader to own the test program for their unmanned aircraft systems - from early flight envelope expansion through certification-level test campaigns - as the platform matures toward production and fielded operations.

This is not a desk job. You'll be planning test cards, flying or directing test missions, analyzing telemetry, and getting your hands on the aircraft between flights. It's a role for someone who wants to lead a test program and still be the one in the loop when the aircraft is in the air.

• Own the flight test strategy and test plans for the company's unmanned aircraft, from initial envelope expansion through advanced mission profiles.
• Design test cards, define success criteria, and run flight test campaigns safely and efficiently.
• Work hands-on with the aircraft and ground control systems during test operations, including pre-flight checks, instrumentation, and post-flight debriefs.
• Analyze flight data and telemetry to validate performance, identify anomalies, and drive root-cause investigations.
• Partner closely with systems, controls, avionics, and airworthiness engineers to translate test results into design and software improvements.
• Build and lead a flight test team, including test pilots, flight test engineers, and instrumentation specialists.
• Own flight safety review processes and serve as the final technical authority on flight readiness decisions.
• Support certification and regulatory engagement (e.g., FAA) as the program matures toward type certification or equivalent approvals.

• 10+ years of flight test experience, including experience leading a flight test program or team.
• Direct, hands-on flight test experience with unmanned aircraft systems (fixed-wing, rotary, or VTOL).
• Strong understanding of flight test techniques, instrumentation, data acquisition, and telemetry analysis.
• Experience developing test plans and test cards, and making flight-readiness and go/no-go decisions.
• Working knowledge of airworthiness, flight safety, and regulatory processes relevant to UAS operations.
• Comfortable operating as both a technical leader and an individual contributor - this role stays close to the aircraft.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• UAS pilot certification or equivalent flight experience is a strong plus.