Senior Simulation, Test & Validation Engineer

Autonomous Aircraft | HIL | System Integration & Verification

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, USA

The Opportunity

An innovative aerospace company is developing full-scale autonomous cargo aircraft capable of carrying two-tonne payloads over distances exceeding 1,000 nautical miles.

We're seeking a Senior Simulation, Test & Validation Engineer to build and lead system-level testing capability, ensuring hardware and software are thoroughly validated before reaching the aircraft. This is a hands-on opportunity to establish testing infrastructure from the ground up, shape the validation strategy and play a key role in advancing next-generation autonomous aviation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the system test strategy, defining validation requirements across components, HIL benches, ground testing and flight testing.
• Design and commission hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches integrating flight computers, actuators, sensors and power systems.
• Develop software-in-the-loop and real-time simulation infrastructure, integrating GNC and flight sciences models.
• Establish validation frameworks and release criteria for hardware and software.
• Lead fault injection, troubleshooting and root-cause investigations using FMEA-driven testing.
• Develop environmental, durability, reliability and life-test campaigns based on operational mission profiles.
• Correlate ground test conditions with flight data and develop telemetry-based health monitoring and anomaly detection.
• Present test evidence at flight readiness reviews and support certification and airworthiness requirements.
• Lead and mentor test engineers and technicians.

What We're Looking For

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years testing complex electromechanical or embedded systems in aerospace, defence, automotive or similar industries.
• Experience building a HIL or system-level test capability from scratch.
• Ownership of test strategy for a hardware and software programme through to deployment or flight.
• Experience leading environmental, durability or reliability test campaigns.
• Strong Python and C/C++ programming skills.
• Excellent electrical troubleshooting across embedded computers, actuation, power and communications.
• Experience leading engineers or technicians.

Desirable experience:

• Uncrewed aircraft, fly-by-wire or autonomous vehicle testing.
• Real-time simulation platforms such as dSPACE, Speedgoat or NI.
• FMEA, Weibull analysis and accelerated life testing.
• DO-160 or MIL-STD-810 qualification.
• Iron bird or full-vehicle integration rig development.
• Certification or military airworthiness evidence

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary and meaningful early-stage equity.
• Relocation support, where applicable.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• 6% retirement matching.
• Flexible paid time off.
• Free office lunches, snacks and refreshments.
• Access to AI tools and technical subscriptions.

US Citizens or Green Card holders only, please.

Interested in building the test capability that takes autonomous aircraft from the lab to the sky?

Apply with your resume now!