Aeronautical Test Engineer

Job description

Enigma Aerospace is seeking an Aeronautical Test Engineer to lead the analysis and testing of our next-generation, runway-independent autonomous fixed-wing aircraft. This role will involve significant contributions to aircraft design through analysis, simulation and testing of aircraft and flight subsystems from the benchtop, to ground test, through flight testing, ensuring our aircraft perform as expected and is ready for inclusion in demonstrations, exercises, and sustained flight operations. This is a cross-functional position that spans aircraft design and analysis, flight test, flight software modifications, avionics/telemetry, instrumentation, and system integration. You’ll work alongside software, avionics, systems, and other engineering teams to ensure our flight systems are ready for complex, real-world operations. ### Responsibilities - Plan and execute performance and GNC/ flight control laws optimization for fixed-wing aircraft. - Plan and implement engineering and flight test plans and procedures for component, ground, taxi, and flight operations based on aircraft design requirements and software changes. - Instrument aircraft with sensors, data acquisition, and telemetry systems; validate calibration and data integrity. - Analyze post-flight data, generate reports, and provide actionable feedback to design and systems teams. - Work with controls, avionics, propulsion, and systems engineers to align test objectives with performance requirements. - Participate in integration, repair, and fabrication of aircraft and sub-systems. - Feed flight data, analyses and insights to aircraft design teams and processes. - Conduct safety reviews, risk assessments, and test readiness reviews. - Contribute to development and maintenance of engineering, regulatory and operational documentation. - Travel up to 25% of time. ### Desired Qualifications - BS/MS or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Controls, or a related field. - Strong understanding of aircraft dynamics and flight controls. - 7+ years of experience in aerospace and flight test engineering, or related field specifically on fixed-wing, autonomous aircraft systems. - Strong & demonstrated knowledge and experience with GNC/ Flight control law software including open source software such as PX4 and Ardupilot. - Hands-on experience with fixed-wing aircraft flying and/or testing (manned or unmanned). - Proficiency with data acquisition and analysis software, scripting and tools (MATLAB, Python or similar) and telemetry/DAQ systems. - Knowledge of flight test regulations, safety protocols, and UAS operational requirements. - Must be eligible to work in the U.S without company sponsorship and ability to receive and hold government security clearances. - Exceptional communication and organizational skills. ### Great to have Qualifications and Skills - Experience supporting experimental flight test programs at startups or R&D organizations. - Familiarity with flight control systems, avionics, propulsion, autopilots. - FAA Part 107 certification or piloting experience. - Experience with system modeling tools or HIL/SIL environments. - Interest in operating at the boundary of software and hardware in a fast-paced startup. - Knowledge of industry (ASTM) and FAA/DoD experimental test standards. - You are a systems thinker who can balance performance, safety, and complexity. - You are mission-oriented, detail-driven, and excited to move quickly from design analysis to test design to flight.