Test Engineer

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement.

About the role

The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to flight test operations of our sub-scale model. We are looking for a versatile engineer with experience in three critical domains—Mechanical, Software, or GNC—to integrate directly with our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight prototyping workflows. The test engineer will work with flight test plans, execute flight test preparations, and analyze flight test data. The role also involves assisting the team to improve the fidelity of the Baby Airship as a sub-scale model of Pathfinder 1.

Responsibilities

• Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of our sub-scale airship model
• HIL Simulation: Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations
• Flight Data & Analytics: Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into the GNC and sub-scale simulation models
• Mechanical: Design and iteration of lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship
• Software: Development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python)
• GNC: Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
• Proficiency in Python or C++ programming
• Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols
• Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware
• Familiarity with standard CAD software
• Proven ability to thrive in a rapid "build-test-fail-fix" iteration cycle with strong cross-functional communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting low-level electrical hardware issues
• Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink for system modeling

Benefits

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, 70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields

Pay

$75,000 - $95,000 a year

Physical / Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable