Flight Test Engineer

Role Overview:

We are seeking a
Flight Test Engineer
to join our small but high-impact team. In this role, you will work in close collaboration with our CTO and own the execution, instrumentation, and analysis of flight test campaigns on our full scale and subscale UAVs.

You will serve as the bridge between software, hardware, autonomy, and operations — ensuring that every test flight produces high-quality data, validated performance insights, and actionable engineering feedback.

As an early hire in the flight test team, you’ll help establish Grid’s flight test processes, data validation standards, and safety protocols from the ground up. You’ll work closely with leadership and cross-functional engineering teams to ensure our systems are robust, reliable, and mission-ready.

If you're excited about building and testing real autonomous aircraft in a fast-moving startup environment, this role is for you.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and execute flight test campaigns, including test cards, safety reviews, and post-flight debriefs
• Act as a Test Director or Ground Control Station crew member for ground and flight tests, and related simulation rehearsals.
• Own onboard and ground-based instrumentation setup for aircraft and support systems
• Validate autonomy, navigation, communication, and control system performance during live operations
• Analyze flight logs and sensor data to identify system-level behaviors, anomalies, and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with software, controls, and mechanical teams to close the loop between test results and design iteration
• Establish structured flight test processes, documentation standards, and reporting frameworks
• Travel regularly to Merced, CA for flight operations and field testing (expenses covered)

Who You Are:

- Mission-Driven:
You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
- Innovator:
You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Builder:
You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
- Collaborative:
You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

Key Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Experience supporting flight tests, robotics field testing, or complex system validation
• Strong experience with data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar tools)
• Familiarity with telemetry systems, onboard instrumentation, and sensor integration
• Understanding of control systems, autonomy stacks, or robotic platforms
• Comfort working with Linux-based systems and embedded platforms
• Experience in early-stage startups or fast-paced R&D environments
• Interest in autonomy, AI, and aviation (direct aviation experience is a plus, but not required)
• Experience with fixed-wing aircraft envelope expansion and performance testing is a plus.
• A degree or certificate from a Test Pilot School is a plus.