Lead Flight Test Engineer

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles County

$140k – $190k + Equity + Benefits

iO Associates’ well backed aviation start-up partner in LA is growing the core team taking a newly modified aircraft through experimental test, certification and into service.

You will join a close knit Flight Ops group alongside Manager, A&Ps and design team, having broad ownership across test definition, aircraft preparation, ground and flight-test activity and the analysis that feeds directly into design, certification and operational decisions.

The strongest candidates will bring hands on Part 23 general aviation flight-test exposure, ideally with time spent supporting test aircraft in person, working with DARs, or operating as a pilot or A&P alongside their engineering career.

You will be:

• Building practical test documentation and safety cases, then supporting ground and flight-test campaigns from aircraft preparation through to test completion.
• Working closely with pilots (and/or being one yourself), mechanics and engineering teams on instrumentation, ground-station activity, test readiness and day-to-day operation of the test aircraft.
• Evaluating flight-test data and observations, producing clear technical outputs that inform design changes, certification evidence and the next phase of testing.

You must have:

• Senior experience as an aircraft flight-test engineer, including direct involvement in test execution and post-flight analysis. Ideally on experimental and/or part 23 aircraft.
• Strong grounding in aerodynamics, stability and control, aircraft systems and performance, alongside practical instrumentation and data-analysis capability.
• Familiarity with Part 23 aircraft and the hands-on ground-support side of an active flight-test operation.
• Holding an A&P and a recognised civilian or military pilot training will be highly valued.

Your home base can beone of two locations in LA county, with regular travel between both sites and occasional wider travel as test activity develops.

This is a key opportunity to help take a modified aircraft through experimental development, certification and real-world service. Interviews are available immediately, so apply now.

Disclaimer: Any remuneration stated in this advertisement is indicative and will be dependent on the successful candidate’s experience, skills and qualifications. Final remuneration will be agreed with the successful candidate and will be subject to the terms of the contract.