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Allen Control Systems
Actively hiring
Flight Test Engineer & Pilot
- Workplace
- Hybrid
- Commitment
- Contract
- Posted
Location
San Francisco, United States
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. The role involves owning flight test operations end-to-end: identifying safe and legal test locations, preparing flight plans and safety processes, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
Responsibilities
- Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
- Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
- Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear).
- Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
- Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.
Nice to have
- Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
- Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
- Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
- Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- ACS Equity Package
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off