Qualification Test Engineer - Drone Application

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Torrance, CA

67d•$110,000 - $137,000•Onsite

About The Position

At FlightWave, we build high-performance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for defense, public safety, and other mission-critical applications. We’re looking for a Qualification Test Engineer to participate in the development and execution of reliability test plans across our drone platforms — ensuring our systems perform with precision and reliability in the harshest operational environments. You’ll work hands-on and collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to plan and run environmental, mechanical, and lifecycle tests. You’ll apply a systems-level view to validation, spanning electro-mechanical, structural, aerodynamic, and electro-optical interfaces. This role is an onsite position in Torrance, California.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related discipline.
3+ years of experience in reliability, product validation, or mechanical test engineering programs
Experience working with Microprocessor Controllers for High Temperature, Low Temperature and Humidity Chambers
Experience working with Vibration Systems and Controllers for High Temperature, Low Temperature and Humidity Chambers
Hands-on experience designing and building custom test setups, data acquisition systems (EMC/EMI measurement, etc)
Hands-on experience developing and executing qualification test plans for complex electromechanical systems.
Experience with UAS systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, etc.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with industry-specific environmental test standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD 461 and RTCA-DO-160, etc) and associated test methods.
Familiarity with FCC Part 15
Familiarity with Packaging Standard ISTA 3A and ASTMD4169
Experience with lightweight aerostructures, vibrations, fatigue analysis, etc.
SolidWorks, CAD, or other digital design package experience

Responsibilities

Develop and execute system and component-level reliability and design verification test strategies for rugged, airborne electromechanical systems.
Design and carry out environmental and mechanical stress tests including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, moisture/ingress, and fatigue testing.
Design and carry out Electromatic Interference (EMI/EMC) Conducted and Radiated Emissions testing.
Create custom test fixtures, Familiar with automation, and data acquisition systems as needed to enable robust, repeatable validation test programs.
Contribute to and review risk management deliverables (e.g., DFMEA/PFMEA) and propose test strategies that address top failure modes.
Support root cause investigations and drive corrective actions through structured test and analysis methods.
Other duties as assigned.