Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

Allen Control Systems•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems. We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a part-time contract role, up to 15 hours per week, with the potential to transition to full-time as flight cadence increases. Candidates must have experience flying similar aircraft, and the ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting 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.