Applied Intuition is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the validation and evaluation of autonomous aerial systems through high-fidelity simulation and real-world operations. This role involves end-to-end ownership of test planning and execution, working closely with engineering teams and external partners to ensure safe and rapid deployment of autonomy stacks across live, virtual, and constructive environments.
What You'll Do
- Lead the strategic development and execution of comprehensive test plans
- Operate with high autonomy to define the roadmap for validating complex flight systems
- Direct ground and flight test operations at private and government ranges
- Manage resource logistics and ensure safe, rigorous deployment of hardware and software
- Perform initial data analysis to bridge the gap between field and lab
- Provide engineering teams with technical observations to iterate on autonomy stacks
- Design and refine standardized testing procedures and safety protocols
- Ensure rapid and reliable system evaluation in a fast-paced development environment
What We're Looking For
- High agency and the ability to directly influence test programs
- Strong understanding of the US Defense space and ability to navigate DOD organizations
- Experience in acquisition, test, and evaluation of aviation products
- An advanced (graduate) degree in a technical field related to aerospace
- Completed training in NTPS, USAF TPS, Navy TPS, or equivalent
- Ability to create and refine test objectives
- Ability to lead test plan working groups, test reviews, and safety reviews
- Ability to author clear and concise test plans, test reports, communication plans, hazard analyses, quick look reports, checklists, and test cards
- Experience communicating between technical experts and vehicle operators
- Experience running test missions as a test conductor or test director
- Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must have an active U.S. security clearance
Nice to Have
- Prior military flight test experience
- Prior FAA airspace sUAS experience
- Prior sUAS autopilot operations, such as QGroundControl, Pixhawk, and MAVlink
- Proven ability as a self-starter that can adapt and define their role
- FAA Part 107 license
- FAA private pilot license
- Prior experience deploying for flight test campaigns
Technical Stack
- QGroundControl
- Pixhawk
- MAVlink
Benefits & Compensation
- Relocation offered
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Dental insurance coverage
- Vision insurance coverage
- Life and disability insurance coverage
- 401k retirement benefits with employer match
- Learning and wellness stipends
- Paid time off
Compensation includes a base salary of $155,000 to $190,000 USD annually, equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, and full benefits.
Work Mode
Employees primarily work from the office 5 days a week, with flexibility for occasional remote work, starting the day from home before heading to the office, or leaving early for family commitments. Office locations include Washington, DC, Fort Walton Beach, FL, San Diego, CA, and Ann Arbor, MI.
Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. The company complies with 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. The company also abides by Executive Order 13496 regarding employee rights under federal labor laws.
