Design, execute, and document verification, validation, and qualification tests for aerospace materials, parts, and systems. Collaborate with design engineers to identify failure modes, develop test plans and procedures, lead new test capability development (including DAQ), analyze test data, and produce technical reports and recommendations. Support and guide test technicians.
Responsibilities
- Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes.
- Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for materials, systems, and assemblies.
- Write and review test plans, test reports, and specifications for intent and completeness.
- Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor.
- Identify and lead new test capability developments, including new testing methods and DAQ systems.
- Develop procedures for test technicians to execute, supporting test programs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 4+ years of experience in the aerospace/aviation industry as a materials engineer, test engineer, mechanical engineer, systems engineer.
- Proven experience with sensor, part, or material selection, qualification, characterization, or acceptance testing for aerospace/aviation materials/structures/systems.
- Experience with industry standard test methods, such as ASTM, FAA, SACMA, SAE, DO-160, ISO, or similar.
- Experience with failure modes of engineering materials and parts, such as composites, valves, actuators, and gears.
- Experience with aviation environmental conditions and requirements, such as flammability, UV, humidity, corrosion, damage tolerance, and fatigue.
- Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test machines, sensors, and DAQ systems.
- Ability to understand, organize, and interpret test data and provide recommendations based on data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations to technical and managerial audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience with FAA certification requirements, developing or qualifying flight systems
- 1+ year(s) experience in managing projects in an aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing setting
- Advanced degree in a related field
- Experience using Statistical Process Control and Root Cause to drive continuous improvement and solve problems
- Experience working in an AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO certified test laboratory
- Ability to program test equipment using LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar.
- Ability to analyze data and perform statistical methods using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, Tableau, or similar
- Experience with structural testing, strain gauge measurements, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC)
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
Physical / Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Hardware • Software • Nanotechnology • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Defense
Develop and test RF and millimeter-wave components and subsystems. Responsibilities include schematic/layout generation, RF/mmW circuit and device modeling, on- and off-wafer RF testing, maintaining PDKs, and RF system design and integration in a fast-paced team environment.
Top Skills:
Ansys HfssAwr Microwave Office (Mwo)Cadence VirtuosoCstIii-VKeysight AdsMmicProcess Design Kit (Pdk)Rf TestingWirebonding
Aerospace • Hardware • Robotics • Software • Manufacturing
Lead development, validation, and refinement of test assets and processes for mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic assemblies. Design or source test equipment and tooling, author specifications and procedures, support shop floor issues, analyze test data, drive root-cause actions, and collaborate cross-functionally to scale reliable production testing.
Top Skills:
Control SystemsData Acquisition SystemsElectromechanical AssembliesFlow MetersHigh-Pressure Pneumatic SystemsHigh-Voltage Systems (320V+)Instrumentation And Sensor SetupLeak CheckingMbomMultimetersOscilloscopesPneumatic SystemsPressure RegulatorsTest Automation
Industrial • Manufacturing
Design, implement, and execute test schemes for fiber optic modules; perform calibration, functional testing and validation; analyze test data, document procedures and results, and produce test reports to support engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Top Skills:
Fiber OpticsIso 14001Iso 9001LabviewPythonVisual Basic
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
