UAS Flight Test Engineer

Applied Intuition•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Flight Test Engineer at Applied, you will report directly to the Lead Flight Test Engineer and serve as an integral member of a focused, fast-moving developmental test team executing a high-priority uncrewed aerial systems program. This role supports the full test lifecycle, spanning ground subsystem characterization through envelope expansion and full-system verification, on an attritable UAS platform operating at the frontier of autonomous strike capability. You will contribute directly to test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting across multiple test phases, and will be expected to operate with a high degree of independence at forward-deployed test locations. This is a hands-on engineering role suited for a mid-career flight test professional who is comfortable working in an early-stage program environment where rigor, adaptability, and technical depth are equally valued.

Requirements

A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline (Bachelor's required; advanced degree preferred)
4–8 years of experience in flight test engineering, developmental test and evaluation, or a closely related discipline
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading first-flight events and build-up test programs for novel aerial systems
Experience with non-traditional launch systems or non-conventional takeoff and recovery configurations
Ability to author and refine test plans, test cards, hazard analyses, quick look reports, and formal test reports to a professional standard
Experience operating or supporting ground control station environments, including mission planning, pre-launch configuration, and post-launch monitoring
Familiarity with small UAS autopilot architectures (e.g., ArduPilot, MAVLink-based systems, or equivalent)
Working knowledge of airspace coordination, COA processes, and FAA regulatory requirements for UAS operations
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings for both engineering audiences and program leadership
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic, field-deployed test environments with limited infrastructure
Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to support test campaigns at domestic range facilities
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must be able to hold an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Formal flight test training (NTPS, USAF TPS, Navy TPS, or equivalent)
Prior experience supporting attritable UAS, loitering munition, or autonomous strike system developmental test programs
Experience with range safety operations, explosive safety procedures, or hazardous test event planning
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled autonomy systems and software-in-the-loop / hardware-in-the-loop test environments
Experience with telemetry systems, real-time data display, and post-flight data retrieval
Prior experience deploying for field-based flight test campaigns at government or commercial test ranges
Proven ability as a self-starter who can define and execute their responsibilities with minimal oversight in an early-stage program environment

Responsibilities

Support the Lead Flight Test Engineer in developing, refining, and executing test plans, test cards, and checklists across all active test phases
Conduct pre-test planning activities including test objective development, Measures of Performance (MOP) definition, hazard analysis inputs, and Test Readiness Review (TRR) preparation
Execute test events in the role of test conductor, data monitor, or range safety support as assigned
Perform post-flight data reduction, trend analysis, and contribute to quick look reports and formal test reports
Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Safety Review Board (SRB) proceedings, and Phase Gate Reviews by preparing technical briefings and supporting documentation
Coordinate with vehicle engineers, GNC leads, autonomy software engineers, and range personnel to ensure test execution readiness
Maintain awareness of vehicle configuration status, open deficiencies, and test database integrity across all test phases
Support range operations at forward-deployed locations, including subsystem checkout, pre-launch procedures, and ground control station operations
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of flight test processes, standard operating procedures, and lessons-learned documentation