Flight Test Engineer V/VI
Zone 5 Technologies•San Luis Obispo, CA
•$177,000 - $275,000•Onsite
About The Position
Zone 5 Technologies is seeking senior Flight Test Engineers to assemble, certify, and fly Group 1 to 4 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The role supports the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests to ensure UAV performance, safety, and reliability standards are met. Flight test work is conducted on a weekly cadence at test ranges local to the San Luis Obispo, California area, with occasional demonstrations at CONUS and OCONUS locations requiring travel. The work involves significant time outdoors in varied weather conditions and may require travel up to 50%.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 7–10 years of experience in aerospace engineering, including at least 5 years in UAV flight testing or a closely related field.
- Proven experience planning and conducting flight tests for unmanned systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems, telemetry, and flight control systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in flight test software and simulation tools.
- Knowledge of FAA regulations and UAV airworthiness standards.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%.
Nice To Haves
- Part 107 pilot certification.
Responsibilities
- Develop detailed flight test plans, including objectives, methodologies, safety protocols, and resource requirements.
- Collaborate with design engineers, systems engineers, and software developers to define test requirements and procedures.
- Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and standards.
- Conduct pre-flight inspections and system checks to confirm UAV readiness.
- Lead or participate in flight tests, including remotely piloting UAVs when required.
- Monitor and analyze flight data in real time to assess whether test objectives are being met.
- Troubleshoot issues during testing and implement corrective actions.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret flight test data to assess UAV performance.
- Prepare test reports documenting results, findings, and recommendations for design improvements.
- Present findings to engineering teams, management, and external stakeholders.
- Implement and enforce safety protocols throughout flight testing.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for safe operations.
- Lead post-test debriefs and incorporate lessons learned into future testing.
- Improve flight test methodologies and procedures.
- Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and UAV flight-testing best practices.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to team members.
Benefits
- Competitive total compensation package.
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and other benefit plan options.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Three weeks of paid time off each year.
- 40 hours of sick time.
- 12 annual company holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
