UAS Flight Test Engineer

About the Role

As a Flight Test Engineer at Applied, you will report directly to the Lead Flight Test Engineer and serve as an integral member of a focused, fast-moving developmental test team executing a high-priority uncrewed aerial systems program. This role supports the full test lifecycle, spanning ground subsystem characterization through envelope expansion and full-system verification, on an attritable UAS platform operating at the frontier of autonomous strike capability.

You will contribute directly to test planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting across multiple test phases, and will be expected to operate with a high degree of independence at forward-deployed test locations. This is a hands-on engineering role suited for a mid-career flight test professional who is comfortable working in an early-stage program environment where rigor, adaptability, and technical depth are equally valued.

At Applied, you will:

• Support the Lead Flight Test Engineer in developing, refining, and executing test plans, test cards, and checklists across all active test phases
• Conduct pre-test planning activities including test objective development, Measures of Performance (MOP) definition, hazard analysis inputs, and Test Readiness Review (TRR) preparation
• Execute test events in the role of test conductor, data monitor, or range safety support as assigned
• Perform post-flight data reduction, trend analysis, and contribute to quick look reports and formal test reports
• Support Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), Safety Review Board (SRB) proceedings, and Phase Gate Reviews by preparing technical briefings and supporting documentation
• Coordinate with vehicle engineers, GNC leads, autonomy software engineers, and range personnel to ensure test execution readiness
• Maintain awareness of vehicle configuration status, open deficiencies, and test database integrity across all test phases
• Support range operations at forward-deployed locations, including subsystem checkout, pre-launch procedures, and ground control station operations
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of flight test processes, standard operating procedures, and lessons-learned documentation

We're Looking for Someone Who Has:

• A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline (Bachelor's required; advanced degree preferred)
• 4–8 years of experience in flight test engineering, developmental test and evaluation, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading first-flight events and build-up test programs for novel aerial systems
• Experience with non-traditional launch systems or non-conventional takeoff and recovery configurations
• Ability to author and refine test plans, test cards, hazard analyses, quick look reports, and formal test reports to a professional standard
• Experience operating or supporting ground control station environments, including mission planning, pre-launch configuration, and post-launch monitoring
• Familiarity with small UAS autopilot architectures (e.g., ArduPilot, MAVLink-based systems, or equivalent)
• Working knowledge of airspace coordination, COA processes, and FAA regulatory requirements for UAS operations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings for both engineering audiences and program leadership
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic, field-deployed test environments with limited infrastructure

Travel Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to support test campaigns at domestic range facilities
• This role can be based in one of the following locations: Freeport, FL or Sunnyvale, CA. While preference will be given to candidates local to these areas, applicants from other U.S. locations will also be considered, provided they are willing to travel or potentially relocate.

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to hold an active U.S. Secret security clearance
• Active TS clearance is preferred

For more information about U.S. security clearances: click here.

Nice to Have:

• Formal flight test training (NTPS, USAF TPS, Navy TPS, or equivalent)
• Prior experience supporting attritable UAS, loitering munition, or autonomous strike system developmental test programs
• Experience with range safety operations, explosive safety procedures, or hazardous test event planning
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled autonomy systems and software-in-the-loop / hardware-in-the-loop test environments
• Experience with telemetry systems, real-time data display, and post-flight data retrieval
• Prior experience deploying for field-based flight test campaigns at government or commercial test ranges
• Proven ability as a self-starter who can define and execute their responsibilities with minimal oversight in an early-stage program environment

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $155,000 to $200,000 USD annually.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.