Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc
Staff Flight Test Engineer /Flight Test Lead
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc, San Luis Obispo, California, us, 93403
Staff Flight Test Engineer/Flight Test Lead
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a growing aerospace company located in San Luis Obispo, CA. We provide rapid system development, on‑demand niche engineering, hands‑on development/testing, and small UAS aerospace system manufacturing.
Job Summary ESAero seeks an experienced Flight Test Lead to oversee and execute all aspects of our flight test operations. This role leads a multidisciplinary flight test team, coordinates test planning and execution, and ensures all activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations and program goals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the flight test team in planning, coordinating, and executing flight test campaigns from initial test planning through post‑flight analysis and reporting.
Develop and manage detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules to meet program objectives.
Ensure all flight test operations comply with applicable safety regulations, company policies, and government standards (e.g., FAA, DoD).
Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, program management, and other stakeholders to ensure test readiness and resource availability.
Serve as the primary point of contact for flight test activities, internally and externally.
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain test program integrity and safety.
Review and approve test documentation, including test cards, data collection plans, and safety assessments.
Analyze flight test data in collaboration with engineers and provide feedback to improve vehicle/system performance.
Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
Develop expert‑level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
Support training and mentoring of junior flight test personnel.
Continuously assess and improve the flight test team’s capabilities, processes, and tools to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, or a related technical field.
9+ years of experience in flight test operations, with a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex flight test campaigns.
Excellent understanding of flight test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Proven experience with flight safety protocols and government regulations applicable to flight testing.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Proven leadership capabilities in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with military flight test programs or military contract operations.
Test Pilot School graduate or equivalent test experience (pilot, test conductor, or flight test engineer).
FAA certifications or military equivalent (e.g., Part 107, commercial pilot license, flight engineer ratings).
Knowledge of data acquisition systems and flight test instrumentation.
Proficiency with radio frequencies and communications.
Work Environment and Travel
This role requires hands‑on work at test sites and may involve travel to various test locations.
Must be able to work in both office and field environments.
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks
Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans, including a 100% employer‑paid option covering employees and families.
Paid Time Off: 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage.
Supplemental Coverage: Critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, and critical illness with skin cancer coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company match.
Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
Work Environment: Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and welcoming company culture.
Location: A perfect place to live, work, and play.
Company Overview Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing. We deliver high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions, specializing in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products – we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.
This position is fully on‑site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E‑Verify participation required for employment. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to pass background check. Pay Range: $140k – 175k (DOE)
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Job Summary ESAero seeks an experienced Flight Test Lead to oversee and execute all aspects of our flight test operations. This role leads a multidisciplinary flight test team, coordinates test planning and execution, and ensures all activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations and program goals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the flight test team in planning, coordinating, and executing flight test campaigns from initial test planning through post‑flight analysis and reporting.
Develop and manage detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules to meet program objectives.
Ensure all flight test operations comply with applicable safety regulations, company policies, and government standards (e.g., FAA, DoD).
Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, program management, and other stakeholders to ensure test readiness and resource availability.
Serve as the primary point of contact for flight test activities, internally and externally.
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain test program integrity and safety.
Review and approve test documentation, including test cards, data collection plans, and safety assessments.
Analyze flight test data in collaboration with engineers and provide feedback to improve vehicle/system performance.
Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
Develop expert‑level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
Support training and mentoring of junior flight test personnel.
Continuously assess and improve the flight test team’s capabilities, processes, and tools to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation, or a related technical field.
9+ years of experience in flight test operations, with a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex flight test campaigns.
Excellent understanding of flight test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Proven experience with flight safety protocols and government regulations applicable to flight testing.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Proven leadership capabilities in a fast‑paced, high‑stakes environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with military flight test programs or military contract operations.
Test Pilot School graduate or equivalent test experience (pilot, test conductor, or flight test engineer).
FAA certifications or military equivalent (e.g., Part 107, commercial pilot license, flight engineer ratings).
Knowledge of data acquisition systems and flight test instrumentation.
Proficiency with radio frequencies and communications.
Work Environment and Travel
This role requires hands‑on work at test sites and may involve travel to various test locations.
Must be able to work in both office and field environments.
Comprehensive Benefits & Perks
Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans, including a 100% employer‑paid option covering employees and families.
Paid Time Off: 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage.
Supplemental Coverage: Critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, and critical illness with skin cancer coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company match.
Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
Work Environment: Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and welcoming company culture.
Location: A perfect place to live, work, and play.
Company Overview Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing. We deliver high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions, specializing in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations.
At ESAero, we don’t just build products – we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.
This position is fully on‑site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.
ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E‑Verify participation required for employment. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to pass background check. Pay Range: $140k – 175k (DOE)
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