Flight Test Engineer

Delta Black Aerospace Inc • McKinney, TX

just now

About The Position

Delta Black Aerospace is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze flight test campaigns for the RAIDER 330 UAS. This is a foundational role in the company’s path to fielding a certified, combat-proven Group 3 UAS. You will be responsible for developing the flight test program from initial ground runs through envelope expansion, payload integration, and operational mission profiles — including VTOL, E-STOL, hybrid-electric transitions, and GPS-denied operations. The right candidate combines rigorous test methodology with the operational instincts of someone who understands how warfighters will use this system.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of flight test experience on fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or UAS platforms
• Experience developing and executing formal flight test plans, test cards, and envelope expansion programs
• Proficiency with flight test data acquisition, reduction, and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with FAA UAS regulatory framework including Part 107, COA operations, and BVLOS waivers
• Strong written communication skills for test reports, anomaly reports, and briefing materials
• Experience operating in field environments with physical demands associated with remote test site operations
• Understanding of airworthiness documentation and configuration control in a test program context

Nice To Haves

• USAF, USN, USA, or USMC flight test training (TPS graduate or equivalent service school) strongly preferred
• Experience as a UAS operator, pilot, or rated aviator with operational flight hours
• Background with Group 2-5 UAS test programs
• Experience testing VTOL or hybrid propulsion aircraft
• Familiarity with GPS-denied operations and contested electromagnetic environment (EMCON) test procedures
• Experience with government test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E) programs or JOTT/JITC processes
• Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Prior experience briefing senior military or government acquisition officials

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the RAIDER 330 flight test program including test plans, test cards, and data requirements for all flight phases
• Execute flight test sorties coordinating with ground pilots, safety pilots, and ground crew
• Perform envelope expansion testing for VTOL, E-STOL, and fixed-wing cruise regimes including hybrid-electric propulsion transitions
• Collect, reduce, and analyze flight test data; author test reports and performance characterization briefs
• Conduct safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, and develop test safety plans for all test events
• Coordinate flight test logistics including test site access, airspace coordination, range safety compliance, and regulatory liaison (FAA COA or COA waivers)
• Work with integration engineers to define instrumentation requirements and ensure proper data capture for all test objectives
• Support payload integration flight tests including ISR sensor checkout, MBM module validation, and Multi-INT platform verification
• Conduct GPS-denied environment testing and evaluate navigation system robustness in contested conditions
• Document and disposition anomalies; drive corrective action to closure in coordination with design engineers
• Prepare and brief test readiness reviews (TRRs) and present results to internal leadership and government customers

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience; equity participation available
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Travel to test sites domestically and potentially OCONUS — this role involves meaningful field time
• Opportunity to shape the test program for a groundbreaking defense UAS from early development through fielding
• Direct collaboration with former Warfighters and a leadership team that has been the end user

What This Job Offers

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