Conduct weekly flight test operations for a sub-scale airship, including preparation, execution, troubleshooting, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight-data analysis. Support flight software and hardware integration, flight-test planning, GNC analysis, mechanical component iteration, embedded systems, telemetry processing, and simulation-model improvements. The role requires Python or C++, PX4, CAN, motor and ESC knowledge, CAD familiarity, and collaboration in rapid build-test-fix cycles.
The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of our sub-scale model. We are looking for a versatile engineer with experience in three critical domains—Mechanical, Software, or GNC—to integrate directly with our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight prototyping workflows. The test engineer will work with flight test plans, execute flight test preparations, and work with the rest of the team to analyze flight test data. The test engineer will also work on assisting the team to improve the fidelity of the Baby Airship as a sub-scale model of Pathfinder 1.
Responsibilities
- Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of our sub-scale airship model
- HIL Simulation: Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations
- Flight Data & Analytics: Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into the GNC and sub-scale simulation models
- Mechanical: Design and iteration of lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship
- Software: Development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python)
- GNC: Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics
Qualifications
- Experience: 3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
- Coding Skills: Proficiency in Python or C++ programming
- Flight Software & Protocols: Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols
- Hardware Aptitude: Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware
- Design Tools: Familiarity with standard CAD software
- Mindset: Proven ability to thrive in a rapid "build-test-fail-fix" iteration cycle with strong cross-functional communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting low-level electrical hardware issues
- Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink for system modeling
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
Physical / Compliance Requirements
- Criminal background check clearance
- Drug test clearance wherever applicable
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.
LTA Sunnyvale, California, USA Office
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
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