UAS Flight Test Engineer

UAS Flight Test Engineer

At our Orem, Utah engineering facility, we design, prototype, test, and manufacture

cutting-edge UAS platforms and payloads. We are seeking a talented UAS Flight Test

Engineer to join our development team and play a critical role in bringing next-

generation aircraft from concept to operational capability.

This is a hands-on engineering position that combines flight testing, hardware

integration, data analysis, and product development. The ideal candidate thrives in a

fast-paced R&D environment and is passionate about advancing UAS technology

through disciplined testing and continuous improvement.

Position Summary

The UAS Flight Test Engineer is responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing

developmental flight tests for new aircraft, payloads, autonomy features, and mission

systems. Working closely with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and

manufacturing engineers, this individual will help validate aircraft performance, identify

design issues, and provide actionable feedback that drives product maturation.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical troubleshooting skills with

practical flight operations experience and a commitment to safe and effective test

execution.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Flight Test Planning and Execution
• Develop flight test plans, test procedures, test cards, and verification activities for developmental UAS programs.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute flight tests for fixed-wing, multirotor, and VTOL aircraft under development.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections, risk assessments, and flight readiness reviews.
• Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), Remote Pilot, or Test Conductor as required.
• Ensure safe and compliant flight operations in accordance with applicable regulations and company procedures.
• Participate in field testing, customer demonstrations, and operational evaluations.

Test Engineering and Analysis

• Define test objectives, success criteria, and data collection requirements.
• Analyze telemetry, flight logs, sensor outputs, and aircraft performance data.
• Generate flight test reports documenting results, findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Support root-cause investigations of flight anomalies, failures, and safety incidents.
• Validate implementation of corrective actions and design improvements.
• Assist engineering teams with verification and validation of aircraft and subsystem requirements.

Aircraft Integration and Development

• Support assembly, modification, instrumentation, and maintenance of prototype aircraft.
• Integrate and validate avionics, sensors, payloads, propulsion systems, and networking equipment.
• Configure and troubleshoot flight control systems, mission software, telemetry links, and ground control stations.
• Support tuning and optimization of flight control parameters across multiple aircraft configurations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to evaluate new technologies and concepts.

Program Support

• Maintain accurate configuration records and test documentation.
• Coordinate test activities with program managers, engineering teams, range personnel, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Provide technical feedback to design teams to improve aircraft performance, reliability, manufacturability, and mission effectiveness.
• Support occasional travel for flight testing, demonstrations, and customer events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 3+ years of experience supporting UAS, aerospace, robotics, or other complex electromechanical systems.
• Experience planning and conducting flight tests or system-level validation activities.
• Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, and UAS operations.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated hardware and software systems.
• Strong technical writing, data analysis, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both laboratory and field-test environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with developmental flight testing of fixed-wing, multirotor, or VTOL aircraft.
• Experience with Pixhawk, PX4, ArduPilot, Cube, or similar flight control architectures.
• Experience using Mission Planner, QGround Control, or similar ground control software.
• Experience analyzing flight logs, telemetry data, and system performance metrics.
• Experience integrating sensors, payloads, communications equipment, or autonomy systems.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements verification, and validation processes.
• Experience with RF communications, networking, or mesh radio systems.
• Experience supporting military, government, or defense-related programs.
• Advanced RC aircraft piloting experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Desired Attributes

• Passion for aviation, autonomy, and emerging UAS technologies.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable operating in dynamic field-test environments.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to balance rigorous engineering practices with rapid product development timelines.
• Effective communicator who can translate flight test results into actionable engineering improvements.

Why Join Us?

• Develop and test next-generation UAS platforms from prototype through production.
• Work directly with multidisciplinary engineering teams on cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
• Participate in real-world flight testing and product development.
• Influence aircraft design through data-driven engineering feedback.
• Join a small, highly capable team focused on innovation, technical excellence, and mission success.

Work Location: In person