Senior Flight Systems Test Engineer
CalTek Staffing , Inc. - Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Work at CalTek Staffing , Inc.
Overview
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Overview
(Sr.) Flight Systems Test Engineer (Next-Gen Aircraft Platform) Location:
Santa Clara, Ca. (Onsite) Employment Type:
Full-Time | Direct Hire | Exempt Compensation:
$135,000 - $165,000 + benefits
About the Company Join a well-funded, stealth-mode aerospace venture developing revolutionary electric aircraft systems aimed at reshaping the future of personal mobility. Our team is comprised of leading engineers, program managers, and former test pilots from top aerospace organizations. We're entering a critical phase of flight test expansion and seek driven engineering professionals who are eager to help validate and refine next-generation airborne platforms.
About the Role We're hiring an Advanced Systems Test Engineer to lead the test and validation of uncrewed and optionally piloted airborne vehicles. You'll work cross-functionally with our flight operations, hardware, and systems teams to plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns for a Client electric aircraft architecture. The role involves direct support of onsite ground and airborne tests, development of flight documentation, and ownership of safety and data integrity across experimental test programs. This is a rare opportunity to get hands-on with Client flight hardware while helping shape the certification pathway for a new category of personal aerospace mobility.
Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end system test campaigns for experimental aircraft, including planning, coordination, execution, and post-flight analysis. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to define test objectives, instrumentation requirements, and evaluation procedures. Contribute to risk analysis, test hazard mitigation strategies, and readiness reviews. Develop and execute test cards, procedures, and validation documents in accordance with evolving aerospace safety and regulatory standards. Monitor aircraft telemetry and onboard data systems during test operations. Work closely with vehicle software, controls, propulsion, and avionics teams to troubleshoot system behavior and refine performance. Document and present test outcomes clearly to engineering leadership and program stakeholders. Occasionally travel to remote or local test sites as needed to support active testing. Minimum Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering. 5+ years of experience supporting full-system test programs in aviation, aerospace, or adjacent high-reliability systems. Proven ability to lead cross-functional test activities from planning to final reporting. Familiarity with flight test safety processes, hazard/risk analysis, and telemetry instrumentation. Strong skills in system-level troubleshooting and performance analysis. Ability to clearly document technical results and author engineering test reports. Proficiency with Matlab, Python, or equivalent tools for data analysis. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced engineering environment. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in aircraft testing, especially with experimental, uncrewed, or electric platforms. Exposure to FAA certification processes (e.g., Part 23, 107, or 27). Familiarity with electric propulsion systems, batteries, or high-voltage motor controllers. Background in military or commercial aircraft programs is a plus. Experience with CAD (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks) and system integration. Why You Should Apply
Shape the test operations of a Client airborne platform from the ground up. Be part of a small, mission-driven team innovating at the edge of what's possible in aviation. Competitive compensation and equity potential. Contribute directly to the evolution of accessible personal flight.