As UAV Flight Test Lead at Tycho.AI, you will own and execute flight test campaigns that take autonomous aircraft from bench and simulation to fielded capability. You will coordinate with software and hardware teams, plan and lead in-field flight tests, author test documentation, and ensure compliance with FAA and military regulations. This is a hands-on, in-person role requiring significant time in the field.

Responsibilities

Own coordination with software and hardware teams to align test objectives, and deliver vehicle and personnel availability, range access, and efficient execution of flight tests.
Translate company strategic goals into concrete flight test plans and outcomes.
Track flight test campaign progress and maintain fleet and test team readiness and efficiency.
Plan, attend and lead flight tests in the field - this is an in-person, in-field position with the expectation of being physically present during most flight tests.
Author, review, and approve flight test plans, hazard analyses, test cards and reports.
Coordinate with authorities to ensure compliance with FAA regulations (Part 107, waivers), military range requirements, and internal safety management protocols.
Establish telemetry and data pipelines for post-flight analysis, and lead root-cause investigations when anomalies or structural failures occur.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Willingness to work in the field a majority of the time: travel to test sites, early mornings, variable weather, and hands-on time with vehicles.
Hands-on, system-level flight test experience. Demonstrated ownership of formal test design/planning and documentation — flight test plans, hazard analyses, and post-test reporting.
Active FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, or the ability to obtain one prior to or shortly after start date. Experience with BVLOS waivers, COA processes, or military test range coordination.
Comfortable in Linux and experienced with flight software, like PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS2, QGroundControl, or similar.
Proficiency with flight instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data analysis.
Familiarity with Git, Jira, and collaborative engineering practices.

Nice to have

Experience testing in GPS-denied, degraded, or contested RF environments.
Background in GNC, sensor fusion, aircraft design, or robotics.
Software development experience and/or skilled in C/C++ and/or Python.

Benefits

Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.
Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.
Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.