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LTA Research · 5 months ago

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, California

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$130K/yr - $170K/yr

5+ years exp

LTA Research is focused on advancing aviation technology, and they are seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead flight test campaigns for a next-generation rigid airship. The role involves planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests while ensuring compliance with safety standards and collaborating with various engineering teams.

AerospaceAir TransportationIndustrial ManufacturingManufacturing

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

Responsibilities

Acquire in-depth knowledge of the airship’s aerodynamics, flight control systems, propulsion, avionics, structures, and electrical systems

Plan, build, and execute flight test campaigns, including test methodologies, instrumentation requirements, data collection processes, and test objectives

Develop and refine flight test plans, test procedures, and flight test cards, ensuring they meet engineering and operational requirements

Lead pre-flight and post-flight briefings, coordinating with pilots, test teams, and ground support personnel while acting as Test Director

Monitor real-time telemetry and analyze flight test data to validate aircraft performance and system functionality

Generate system-level flight test requirements and ensure traceability from design through test execution

Identify and mitigate flight test safety risks through hazard identification, test hazard analysis (THA), failure mode analysis, and operational risk management (ORM) processes

Collaborate with FAA regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with experimental aircraft certification and flight test safety protocols

Support test article configuration control and assess system changes for test readiness

Conduct post-flight data analysis, troubleshoot anomalies, and refine future test scenarios

Document and present findings through technical reports, flight test summaries, and safety briefings

Work closely with software and controls engineers to integrate real-time flight data processing and visualization tools

Work with cockpit and human factors engineers to develop optimized flight deck layouts, displays, and controls

Coordinate with flight controls engineers to evaluate digital flight control systems (fly-by-wire and/or stability augmentation systems)

Assist in the development of operational manuals, including the Airship Flight Manual (AFM), Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), maintenance guides, etc

Provide training and mentorship to junior flight test engineers and test personnel

Qualification

Flight test engineeringExperimental aircraft developmentData analysisFAA certification requirementsTelemetry systemsFlight test instrumentationHuman factors engineeringDegreePilot CertificateTeam collaboration

Required

Flight test engineering experience in experimental, developmental, or certification flight test programs

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field

Experience in first flight operations and aircraft envelope expansion testing

Strong knowledge of aircraft performance, aerodynamics, and stability & control principles

Familiarity with FAA experimental certification requirements and flight test safety standards

Proficiency in data acquisition systems, telemetry, and post-flight analysis tools

Experience with flight test instrumentation, data logging, and calibration techniques

Completion of a formal Test Pilot School program (e.g., NTPS, USNTPS, or equivalent), or demonstrated directly relatable flight test experience (5+ years)

Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check and complete all requirements for federal airfield flight line access

Successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a FAA class 3 medical certificate

Must be willing to relocate to a commutable distance to Sunnyvale, CA region

Travel may be required occasionally depending on business needs. (~15%)

Preferred

Pilot Certificate (Private Pilot or higher)

Experience with digital flight control systems (fly-by-wire and/or stability augmentation systems)

Proficiency in human factors engineering, cockpit display design, and avionics integration

Background in aircraft electrical systems, hybrid propulsion, and/or novel aerospace power architectures is a plus

Experience with FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificate (AWC) and Type Certification processes, including certification plans, compliance demonstration, and conformity inspections

Experience in Reliability Testing, including failure mode analysis, lifecycle testing, and statistical analysis of test data to predict long-term system performance