Flight Test Engineer – Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Griffon Aerospace • Madison, AL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Griffon Aerospace is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer (FTE) to support developmental and operational tests and evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and avionics systems. The successful candidate will bring disciplined flight test methodology to every phase of a program lifecycle – from concept and planning through execution, data reduction, and final reporting – while serving as a trusted technical authority and project leadership resource across Griffon's test portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field.
• 6+ years of engineering experience, with a minimum of 4 years in a DoD environment preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in aerospace test and evaluation; recognized ability to function as an aviation test engineering expert.
• Hands-on experience with UAS flight test planning and execution.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret / SCI DoD security clearance; U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate new technical concepts and apply them accurately in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to author test plans, safety documents, and technical reports to government standards.
• Demonstrated team leadership capability with ability to guide less-experienced engineers.
• Proven ability to professionally represent Griffon Aerospace to government and customer stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and composure under operational tempo and schedule pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Familiarity with PX4 autopilot architecture, parameter tuning, and EKF2 sensor fusion.
• Background in UAS avionics integration, including GPS/GNSS anti-jam or alternative navigation systems.
• Prior experience interfacing with government T&E agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of flight test from initial planning and safety review through execution, data collection, analysis, and final report recommendations, ensuring on-schedule program delivery.
• Serve as project engineer on developmental, operational, and research test programs involving fixed-wing UAS.
• Apply rigorous flight test discipline across all planning activities, deployed operations, and post-flight data reduction to maintain the highest standards of airworthiness and data integrity.
• Interface with government test organizations, prime contractors, and subcontractors to coordinate technical and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities, and resolve daily scheduling issues.
• Review modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations (GCS), and associated support equipment; identify and communicate potential issues to program leadership.
• Assess both subjective and objective data acquired during test execution and provide actionable recommendations to engineering and program leadership.
• Support PX4 mission planning activities and contribute to flight controller configuration, parameter management, and pre-flight verification procedures.
• Represent Griffon Aerospace professionally as a technical contact with government customers and oversight agencies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior