Mission Operator - Flight Test Engineer
Paso Robles, CA On-site
$140,000–$165,000 a yearJobFig found this opening at its original source and checks that it remains available.
About the role
We’re hiring a Flight Test Engineer to join our Mission Operations team. This role focuses on the development, testing, and operationalization of Scout’s autonomous aerial systems. You will play a critical role in accelerating product development through disciplined flight testing, structured evaluation, and close collaboration with engineering. You will be responsible for designing and executing structured flight test plans, operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in real-world environments, collecting and analyzing flight and system data, and generating clear reports that drive engineering decisions. You will also support customer demonstrations and ensure systems are prepared for both internal testing and external deployment. You will spend most of your time in the field at test ranges and flight environments. This role requires adaptability, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to move seamlessly between flight operations, troubleshooting systems, configuring payloads, and providing structured feedback to engineers. Your work directly drives flight safety, autonomy performance, and mission readiness.
What you'll bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) or equivalent hands-on experience
- 3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or testing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, or similar platforms
- Strong understanding of flight operations, safety procedures, and pre/post-flight workflows
- Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software systems
- Experience executing structured test plans, collecting flight data, and documenting results clearly
- Comfortable working in dynamic outdoor environments with frequent travel (25–50%)
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate closely with engineering and cross-functional teams
- High ownership mentality, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and disciplined execution
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
- Passion about defense of the United States and its allies
- May be expected to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance