LEAD FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER – AEROSPACE SYSTEMS

Location: Edwards, CA 93523
Salary: $120,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience)
Security Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance required upon hire
A high-impact aerospace program is seeking an experienced Lead Flight Test Engineer to play a critical role in advanced flight test operations. This is a unique opportunity to work on classified, mission-driven systems in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
You’ll take ownership of end-to-end test activities — from designing test plans to analyzing results and briefing key stakeholders. Your deep technical expertise and leadership will directly support the development and validation of complex flight systems.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Lead flight test execution and mission planning based on complex technical and program requirements.
• Develop detailed test plans and procedures for aerospace platforms and sensor systems.
• Analyze flight data to identify system performance, anomalies, and root causes.
• Collaborate across disciplines (aerodynamics, propulsion, RF, optical sensors) to assess and validate integrated performance.
• Serve as the technical liaison between test teams, leadership, and government sponsors.
• Deliver clear, concise documentation including test reports, technical briefings, and risk assessments.
• Maintain test readiness metrics and provide regular program updates to senior leadership.
• Act as a subject matter expert across flight engineering and test readiness areas.

WHY THIS ROLE?

• Work on cutting-edge aerospace platforms with national security implications.
• Lead test missions that shape the future of defense aviation and sensor technology.
• Collaborate with elite engineering teams in a secure, high-performance environment.
• Competitive salary, long-term career growth, and exposure to advanced flight technologies.