Flight Test Engineer
Byron, CA
Flight Test /
Full-time /
On-site
The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft reshaping middle-mile logistics. You'll architect and execute flight test programs that push the boundaries of autonomous flight systems, working with engineers, pilots, and technicians to validate performance in real-world operations. This role offers the chance to tackle cutting-edge challenges in vertical flight and autonomy while directly impacting how critical supplies reach communities worldwide.
Responsibilities
- Test Planning: Develop detailed ground and flight test plans, procedures, and test cards for autonomous VTOL aircraft. Define test objectives, parameters, and instrumentation needs while collaborating with engineers to align plans with certification requirements and manage risk assessments.
- Flight Testing: Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and mission autonomy systems. Operate data acquisition systems during flight tests to collect real-time performance data and evaluate system reliability across flight conditions and VTOL/forward flight profiles.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze and interpret flight test data to evaluate system performance and identify deviations from expected results. Generate timely, comprehensive reports with data summaries, analysis results, and conclusions. Provide actionable recommendations for aircraft design and performance improvements.
- System Integration and Validation: Participate in system integration testing and validation activities for aircraft subsystems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and verify system performance against specifications.
- Instrumentation and Modeling: Configure, calibrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems. Utilize modeling and simulation to predict aircraft performance, comparing simulated predictions with actual flight performance to validate models and improve accuracy.
- Safety and Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and company policies during flight tests, with particular emphasis on autonomous operations. Maintain compliance with FAA and UAS regulations while participating in safety reviews and risk assessments.
Our Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 4+ years of flight test engineering experience with preference for autonomous systems, VTOL aircraft, or UAS operations
- Deep understanding of flight test methodologies, aircraft systems integration, and autonomous flight control systems
- Proficiency in instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
- Working knowledge of FAA Part 107, proposed FAA Part 108, and other UAS regulations and certification requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with excellent technical communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in dynamic flight test environments, including outdoor flight test operations and schedules impacted by weather
Bonus Points For
- Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in flight testing or a related engineering field, with experience in autonomous systems or VTOL aircraft
- Experience with DOD aircraft programs, and familiarity with military airworthiness processes
- Experience developing safety cases and risk assessments for novel autonomous aircraft configurations
- Hands-on experience with flight dynamics modeling and simulation-based test planning
- Private Pilot's License or higher
- Certification Experience with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar
What's in it for you
- Pioneer the future of logistics: You'll help create aircraft systems that have never existed before, directly enabling critical supply delivery, and transforming middle-mile transportation.
- Shape an emerging industry: As an early team member, you'll help define the autonomous cargo aircraft category and establish new standards for vertical flight logistics.
- Accelerate your career: Join a fast-growing team where your contributions directly impact company direction, and grow alongside experienced aerospace professionals in a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
- Work with exceptional talent: Collaborate with a team of kind, brilliant engineers, pilots, and technicians who are passionate about solving hard problems and building groundbreaking technology.
- Own meaningful equity: Equity package with real upside potential as we scale autonomous cargo operations nationwide.
- Comprehensive benefits package: Full medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with company matching, generous parental leave, and flexible PTO policy.
- Flexible work environment: Hybrid work options when not conducting flight operations, with a collaborative office culture that values work-life integration.
$123,000 - $187,500 a year
We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences—many of our most valuable team members have taken non-traditional paths to aerospace. If you're passionate about autonomous flight and transforming logistics, we want to hear from you.
Ready to help build the future of cargo aviation? Apply today and join a team that's redefining what's possible in autonomous flight.
Please note: This position requires eligibility to access export-controlled technology under U.S. regulations, and any employment offer will be contingent on meeting these requirements.
Elroy Air manages all recruiting activities internally through our People & Places team and does not work with external recruiting agencies unless under written agreement.
