Flight Test Engineer

Company: LTA Research
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct flight test efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. We’re looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test ‘firsts’ and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information. Responsibilities Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards. Assist with the preparation of operational documentation. Participate in test readiness and safety reviews. Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently. Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups. Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room. Perform post-flight data analysis as required. Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and ‘squawks’. Other duties may be assigned. Travel – Occasional. Qualifications 3 years of experimental flight test experience. Bachelor’s or higher degree in an applicable engineering field. Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better). Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations. Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures. Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests. Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail. Understanding of flight test instrumentation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Graduate of a recognized test pilot school. Private Pilot or higher rating. Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Aptitude with Python coding. Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft. Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems. Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance. Understanding of human factors and cockpit design. Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs. What We Offer! Relocation assistance Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents) Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances Parental leave Generous PTO 10 paid holidays 401(k) matching up to 6% Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions Monthly wellness stipend Monthly cell phone stipend Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields Compliance Requirements Criminal background check clearance Drug test clearance wherever applicable Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge $85,000 - $140,000 a year SMS Text Messaging (10DLC Compliance) LTA RESEARCH may communicate with applicants and users via SMS (text messaging) for purposes related to job applications, interview scheduling, and other recruitment updates. By providing your phone number through our application or contact forms, you consent to receive such communications. We do not use SMS for marketing purposes, and we will never sell, rent, or share your phone number with third parties for their promotional use. Message Frequency & Opt-Out: Message frequency may vary depending on your application status. Standard message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP. Consent & Privacy: Your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of employment. All data collected through text messaging is handled accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, ensuring your personal information is kept secure and confidential. LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve. Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. 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Keywords: LTA Research, Manteca , Flight Test Engineer, Engineering , Sunnyvale, California