Senior Flight Test Engineer

4/11/2026

The Senior Flight Test Engineer will lead the design and execution of flight test plans for UAV platforms while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. They will also analyze test data to drive engineering decisions and collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate system performance.

Salary

98000 - 172000 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

51-200 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

We are building the future of modular, open-source architectures supporting the Department of Defense requirements to create Affordable Mass. Firestorm is redefining military expectations for on-site modularity to support the widest array of mission areas.

About the Role

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.

We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.

We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.

About the Role

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced Senior Flight Test Engineer to join our Flight Test Team. We are advancing flight control and automation technology through rigorous and continuous flight testing. As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you will play a key role in validating and maturing Firestorm’s UAV platforms across a wide range of mission profiles and test environments. In this role, you will lead the design and execution of detailed flight test plans and ground tests, prioritize flight safety at every stage, and work directly with our flight test team, autonomy engineers and aircraft integration teams. You’ll provide technical guidance in the integration of test objectives, instrumentation and data systems.

This position is ideal for a highly capable engineer who thrives in complex test environments, understands both systems-level design and hands-on execution, and is eager to shape the next generation of uncrewed aerial vehicles. You’ll act as a test conductor during flights, run test readiness and debriefs, and generate technical artifacts that support internal development and customer deliverables.

What You’ll Do

Lead and execute developmental flight testing using sub-scale and full-scale UAVs in dynamic environments
Design, execute, and document environmental stress testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, moisture/ingress, and fatigue
Create and refine detailed flight test plans, test cards, and safety procedures for both engineering and production aircraft
Serve as test conductor during flight events, leading briefs, managing Go/No-Go criteria, and ensuring test discipline
Plan, organize, and lead ground tests to support system validation, including risk assessments and readiness reviews
Analyze test data using techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE), regression analysis, etc. to drive engineering decisions
Build custom test setups, fixtures, and data acquisition tools for controlled, repeatable validation campaigns
Research, source, and operate flight instrumentation; ensure calibration and signal integrity for flight-critical data
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including autonomy, software, hardware engineers and product leads, to define test requirements
Analyze post-flight data using tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or Python-based tools; identify trends, anomalies, and performance gaps
Track and document flight squawks, ensuring proper resolution and traceability
Ensure test instrumentation and sensor integration are safe for flight and meet system design intent
Conduct thorough technical risk assessments and ensure compliance with FAA and internal safety regulations
Document test results, root cause analyses, and corrective actions; communicate findings to both internal and external stakeholders
Contribute to the standardization of test documentation, tools, and processes across programs.
Coordinate with private and government test ranges to conduct flight testing and obtain appropriate regulatory approvals

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Robotics, or a related field; may substitute equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of a degree
Minimum 5 years of experience as a flight test engineer, with a strong emphasis on autonomous, or remotely piloted systems
2+ years of RPIC experience
U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
Willingness to obtain a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Familiarity with flight documentation including checklists, test cards, and post-flight reports
Experience working collaboratively with technical teams to provide feedback on system performance and reliability
Demonstrated ability to design, coordinate, and execute full lifecycle flight test programs, including planning, instrumentation, and reporting.
Experience creating and executing test procedures for system integration, performance evaluation, and regulatory compliance.
Proven skill in collecting and analyzing test data, identifying anomalies, and recommending design improvements.
Familiarity with FAA regulations, military airspace, and safety protocols for UAS operations.
Experience reading engineering design documents, system architectures, and customer requirements.
Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to clearly present technical information to cross-functional teams and customers.
Strong technical writing skills for documentation, SOPs, and manufacturing procedures
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

7+ years of experience as a flight test engineer, with a strong emphasis on autonomous, or remotely piloted systems
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience supporting or participating in defense or military flight test environments
Experience writing test plans for FAA certification programs and producing customer-facing reports
Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, or similar tools for analyzing and visualizing test data
Hands-on experience with flight instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data acquisition tools
Proficiency with C++, Python, or scripting for automation and data post-processing
Background in signal processing techniques and instrumentation design
Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) or similar methods for system testing and optimization
Strong understanding of environmental test standards (MIL-STD, RTCA/DO, etc.) and experience designing tests to these specifications
Comfortable in a startup or rapid R&D environment, with evolving scope and high autonomy
Familiarity with UAS simulation tools and environments used in autonomous systems development
FAA Class III (or higher) Medical Certificate

Work Environment

Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA
This role requires an on-site presence
Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. and wear appropriate PPE [as required]
Willingness to travel up to 40% domestically for flight testing, field operations, integration events, & customer support.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record to support offsite flight operations & testing.
Ability to work flexible hours and travel to various testing locations as needed.
This role will include working in an outdoor environment under various weather conditions.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Compensation

US Salary Range: $98,000 - $172,000 USD

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Equity grants for new hires
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December.
Generous Parental Leave
Lifestyle Spending Account
FSA
DCFSA
HSA
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Accident insurance
Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.

Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.

Key Skills

Flight test engineeringUAV systemsTest planningData analysisInstrumentationSafety protocolsTechnical writingMATLABSimulinkPythonDesign of experimentsFAA regulationsSystem integrationTelemetry systemsRoot cause analysisProject management