Senior Flight Test Engineer
$132k/y-$176k/y
FlightWave Aerospacea day ago
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OnsiteFull-timeSenior
Summary
FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to join their team in Torrance, CA. The role involves supporting the structured validation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) through rigorous test plans and field testing.
About the Role
As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you will develop and execute validation test strategies for airborne electromechanical systems, design structured flight test campaigns, and support environmental stress testing. You will also define test plans, analyze test results, and collaborate with various engineering teams to ensure system-level requirements are met.
About You
Required:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Software, Physics, or a related technical field.
- 7+ years in system testing, QA or QC.
- 3–7 years of experience in flight testing, systems validation, or UAV development.
- Strong understanding of avionics, telemetry, controls, and validation processes.
- Demonstrated experience executing structured flight test plans and analyzing data.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain).
- Hands-on experience operating both quadrotor and fixed-wing UAVs in real-world conditions.
Preferred:
- Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or other open-source autopilot systems.
- Familiarity with GCS tools such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
- Experience with vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental testing methodologies.
- Background in C++ and/or Python for test automation or data analysis.
- Experience with DFMEA/PFMEA, failure investigation, or component qualification.
- Experience with HIL testing, data acquisition systems, or custom test setups.
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of $132k - $176k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
FlightWave Aerospace
An aerospace approach to UASs. Designed for professional aerial data collection in hard to reach places. Innovating in airframe, propulsion and power systems.
Torrance, CA