Flight Test Engineer
About The Position
Pyka is seeking a flight test engineer to support the development and testing of its advanced autonomous aircraft. This role involves a multidisciplinary approach, interacting with both internal and external organizations, making strong written and verbal communication skills essential. The engineer will be crucial in standardizing aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, instructional techniques, and contributing to product evolution. While an engineering degree is not strictly required, technical knowledge and preferably experience with flight operations of manned aircraft or UAVs are desired. The position is primarily located in Dixon or Victoria Island, CA, with potential travel for demonstrations and customer support. Pyka is at the forefront of autonomous electric aviation, aiming to revolutionize transportation with safe, clean, and cost-effective solutions. The company designs, develops, and manufactures a comprehensive ecosystem of technologies, including flight control software, avionics, electric propulsion systems, and composite airframes. Pyka's aircraft are currently used for cargo transport and crop protection on four continents, with industry-first FAA approvals. Their solutions offer economic benefits, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced connectivity.
Requirements
- Experience flying fixed wing UAVs / model aircraft or large multirotors
- Experience with ground control and mission planning software
- Experience with mechanical and electrical systems, assembly, and troubleshooting
- Basic high voltage safety knowledge and comfortable working on 120 VDC, 20 ~ 30 kW systems
- Familiarity with linux, command line usage, git
- Proficient in Portuguese or Spanish
- Experience visualizing and analyzing data logs
- Knowledge of aircraft systems and manuals
- Independent and motivated, with an extremely strong work ethic; able to self-direct and manage time
- Extreme attention to detail and thoroughness
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Located in Solano or Contra Costa County
Nice To Haves
- Part 61 pilot certificate is a plus
Responsibilities
- Guarantee continuous operations at local test sites by identifying, troubleshooting and fixing any arising issues, with the remote help of Pyka’s engineering teams
- Recommend new features, improvements, design changes, etc. to the design team
- Conduct diverse fleet maintenance activities, involving the aircraft itself, ground infrastructure, laptops, and batteries
- Assemble, prepare and fully test airframe airworthiness post production and before shipment to customer sites
- Serve as Pilot In Command or Ground Control Operator of experimental / developmental unmanned aircraft
- Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as Test Conductor or Test Crew member
- Manage complex logistics in support of flight operations
Benefits
- Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
- FSA with employer matching
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
