Senior Flight Test Engineer

Responsibilities

Flight Test Development & Execution
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the airship’s aerodynamics, flight control systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and electrical systems.
• Plan, build, and execute flight test campaigns, including test methodologies, instrumentation requirements, data collection processes, and test objectives.
• Develop and refine flight test plans, test procedures, and flight test cards, ensuring they meet engineering and operational requirements.
• Lead pre-flight and post-flight briefings, coordinating with pilots, test teams, and ground support personnel while acting as Test Director.
• Monitor real-time telemetry and analyze flight test data to validate aircraft performance and system functionality.
System Engineering & Safety Management
• Generate system-level flight test requirements and ensure traceability from design through test execution.
• Identify and mitigate flight test safety risks through hazard identification, test hazard analysis (THA), failure mode analysis, and operational risk management (ORM) processes.
• Collaborate with FAA regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with experimental aircraft certification and flight test safety protocols.
• Support test article configuration control and assess system changes for test readiness.
Data Analysis & Reporting
• Conduct post-flight data analysis, troubleshoot anomalies, and refine future test scenarios.
• Document and present findings through technical reports, flight test summaries, and safety briefings.
• Work closely with software and controls engineers to integrate real-time flight data processing and visualization tools.
Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work with cockpit and human factors engineers to develop optimized flight deck layouts, displays, and controls.
• Coordinate with flight controls engineers to evaluate digital flight control systems (fly-by-wire and/or stability augmentation systems).
• Assist in the development of operational manuals, including the Airship Flight Manual (AFM), Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), maintenance guides, etc.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior flight test engineers and test personnel.

Qualifications

• Flight test engineering experience in experimental, developmental, or certification flight test programs.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience in first flight operations and aircraft envelope expansion testing.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and stability & control principles.
• Familiarity with FAA experimental certification requirements and flight test safety standards.
• Proficiency in data acquisition systems, telemetry, and post-flight analysis tools.
• Experience with flight test instrumentation, data logging, and calibration techniques.
• Completion of a formal Test Pilot School program (e.g., NTPS, USNTPS, or equivalent), or demonstrated directly relatable flight test experience (5+ years).
• Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check and complete all requirements for federal airfield flight line access.
• Successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a FAA class 3 medical certificate.
• Must be willing to relocate to a commutable distance to Sunnyvale, CA region. 
• Travel may be required occasionally depending on business needs. (~15%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Pilot Certificate (Private Pilot or higher).  
• Experience with digital flight control systems (fly-by-wire and/or stability augmentation systems).
• Proficiency in human factors engineering, cockpit display design, and avionics integration.
• Background in aircraft electrical systems, hybrid propulsion, and/or novel aerospace power architectures is a plus.
• Experience with FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificate (AWC) and Type Certification processes, including certification plans, compliance demonstration, and conformity inspections.
• Experience in Reliability Testing, including failure mode analysis, lifecycle testing, and statistical analysis of test data to predict long-term system performance.

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable