Flight Test Engineer (UAV)

Job Requirements San Luis Obispo, CA Fort Walton Beach, FL Clearance Unspecified Polygraph not specified Career Level not specified Salary not specified Join Premium to unlock estimated salaries Job Description We are seeking a Lead Flight Test Engineer to support the assembly, certification, and flight testing of Group 1-4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests to ensure unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong aerospace engineering experience, hands-on UAV flight test expertise, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams. Locations - FL, TX or CA Key Responsibilities Test Planning & Coordination Develop detailed flight test plans, including objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resource requirements Collaborate with design, systems, and software engineering teams to define test requirements and procedures Ensure compliance with applicable aviation regulations and standards Flight Test Execution Perform pre-flight inspections and system readiness checks Lead and/or support execution of flight tests, including remote piloting when required Monitor and analyze flight data in real time to ensure test objectives are met Troubleshoot issues during testing and implement corrective actions Data Analysis & Reporting Collect, analyze, and interpret flight test data to evaluate UAV system performance Prepare detailed test reports with findings and recommendations Present results to engineering teams, leadership, and stakeholders Safety & Risk Management Enforce safety protocols throughout all phases of flight testing Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies Lead post-test debriefs and capture lessons learned Continuous Improvement Contribute to improving test methodologies, tools, and processes Stay current with UAV technologies and industry best practices Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field 7-10 years of aerospace engineering experience, including at least 5 years in UAV/UAS flight testing or closely related work Proven experience planning and executing flight tests for unmanned systems Experience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, and flight control systems FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification preferred Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Proficiency with flight test software and simulation tools Knowledge of FAA regulations and UAV airworthiness standards Excellent communication and teamwork skills Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environmen group id: 91094950 N Name Hidden Recruiter Apply now