Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

Allen Control Systems • San Francisco, CA

4d

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is seeking a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot for a part-time contract role, up to 15 hours per week, with potential for full-time conversion. This role involves organizing and executing flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. The ideal candidate will own the end-to-end flight test operations, including identifying safe and legal test locations, preparing flight plans and safety processes, and serving as or supporting the remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed.
• Comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
• Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
• Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
• Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

Responsibilities

• Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations.
• Perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
• Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations.
• Serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command.
• Provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
• Identify and secure suitable test locations.
• Coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed.
• Help design operational procedures for safe takeoff, flight, and landing.
• Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event.
• Support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed