Flight Test Engineer

WORK LOCATION:

San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

SALARY RANGE:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $85,000 to $116,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY:

The Entry‑Level Flight Test Engineer supports the planning, execution, and analysis of component, subsystem, and system‑level testing for unmanned aircraft systems. This role provides hands‑on support for flight test preparation, instrumentation, data collection, troubleshooting, and documentation. This position offers exposure to a steady flight test cadence, collaboration across engineering disciplines, and regular opportunities to participate in outdoor test activities at local and remote flight test ranges.

The Entry‑Level Flight Test Engineer is eager to learn, comfortable working in dynamic environments, and motivated to develop strong technical and operational skills as part of a rapidly advancing UAS program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Assist in reviewing design and test requirements to support development of test plans and procedures.
• Support coordination efforts with design, systems, and software engineers during test preparation activities.
• Gain familiarity with aviation regulations, safety standards, and compliance considerations relevant to UAS testing.

• Support pre‑flight inspections, system checks, and readiness activities.
• Participate in ground and flight test operations alongside experienced flight test engineers and operators.
• Assist with real‑time monitoring of flight data, documenting observations and deviations.
• Help troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and contribute to corrective actions under guidance.

• Collect, organize, and perform basic analysis on flight test data.
• Assist in preparing test reports, documenting results, findings, and preliminary recommendations.
• Present summarized findings to engineering teams as part of post‑test reviews.

• Follow established safety protocols during all phases of testing.
• Contribute to risk assessments and mitigation plans for outdoor and remote test activities.
• Participate in post‑test debriefs to help identify lessons learned and improvements.

• Support refinement of test methodologies, procedures, and tools.
• Stay informed of industry trends and evolving UAS technologies.
• Collaborate effectively across teams and contribute positively to organizational learning and test discipline maturity.

• This role may require up to 25% travel.
• Expect significant time spent outdoors in various weather conditions to support routine flight test operations.

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or similar).
• Coursework or project experience in aerospace systems, UAVs, robotics, or flight‑related engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, telemetry concepts, or controls (academic or hobby experience acceptable).
• Ability to follow structured test procedures and maintain clear documentation.
• Basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting aptitude.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel).

• Experience with UAV or RC aircraft operation.
• Part 107 Remote…