Senior Flight Test Engineer

Position Summary

FlightWave, a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is seeking a Senior-level Flight Test Engineer to join our team supporting the structured validation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on manufacturing UAS platforms for defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

This role bridges engineering and field testing — focused not only on flight operations, but also on developing and executing rigorous test plans to validate the performance, reliability, and robustness of our platforms. The ideal candidate combines practical flight test experience with a deep understanding of structured engineering validation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute system- and vehicle-level validation test strategies for airborne electromechanical systems.
• Design and conduct structured flight test campaigns, including performance verification, mission simulation, and failure mode testing.
• Support the design and execution of environmental stress testing (vibration, shock, thermal, moisture/ingress, fatigue).
• Define test plans, test cards, and safety procedures for engineering and production aircraft.
• Apply techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE), regression, or capability analysis to analyze test results and support design decisions.
• Build custom test setups, test fixtures, and data acquisition tools as needed for repeatable validation.
• Partner with GNC, avionics, mechanical, and software teams to verify system-level requirements and qualify engineering changes.
• Document test results, root cause findings, and corrective actions to inform design and production teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Software, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years in system testing, QA or QC
• 3–7 years of experience in flight testing, systems validation, or UAV development.
• Strong understanding of avionics, telemetry, controls, and validation processes.
• Demonstrated experience executing structured flight test plans and analyzing data.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or ability to obtain).
• Hands-on experience operating both quadrotor and fixed-wing UAVs in real-world conditions.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or other open-source autopilot systems.
• Familiarity with GCS tools such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner.
• Experience with vibration, shock, thermal, and environmental testing methodologies.
• Background in C++ and/or Python for test automation or data analysis.
• Experience with DFMEA/PFMEA, failure investigation, or component qualification.
• Experience with HIL testing, data acquisition systems, or custom test setups.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and uneven terrain.
• Must be able to stand, kneel, or crouch for extended periods during field setup and testing.
• Capable of safely operating vehicles for travel to and between flight test sites.
• Willingness to work occasional extended hours to support testing schedules, including early mornings or weekends as needed.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $132k - $176k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.