Principal Flight Test Engineer

About Mach Industries Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. The Role Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Flight Test Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and mentor within the Flight Test organization. This role is responsible not only for the execution and strategy of autonomous flight testing, but also for developing the next generation of flight test engineers through direct mentorship, technical leadership, and establishment of disciplined test practices. You will report directly to the Head of Flight Operations and work closely with Systems Engineering, GNC, Autonomy, Software, Structures, Propulsion, and Safety leadership. You will define how Mach conducts flight testing-establishing standards, processes, and infrastructure consistent with industry best practices from leading autonomous aerospace and defense organizations. You will own the end-to-end validation and verification strategy across ground and flight test phases, spanning component-level, subassembly, and fully integrated vehicle testing. This includes defining test approaches consistent with recognized aerospace standards (ARP4754, DO-160G, MIL-STD-810) while adapting them pragmatically to the nature of autonomous, attritable defense systems required to complete the mission CONOP. As a principal FTE, you will guide how Mach evaluates flying qualities, handling characteristics, and autonomy-in-the-loop behavior, leveraging established frameworks such as MIL-STD-1797 and FAA certification basis, while developing novel test techniques appropriate for non-traditional configurations and autonomous vehicles. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Mentorship * Serve as Principal Technical Authority for flight and ground test engineering across autonomous aircraft programs. * Mentor and technically guide junior flight test engineers, including: * Teaching test planning methodology and execution discipline * Reviewing test plans, procedures, and reports * Coaching real-time decision-making during test execution * Establish internal best practices, templates, and training material for flight test engineering at Mach. Autonomous Aircraft Test Development * Own and execute test strategies for autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft, spanning multiple vehicle classes and propulsion types, including: * High-Altitude Balloons (HABs) and lighter-than-air systems * Fixed-wing aircraft (glider and turbine powered) * Rotary-wing aircraft, including multirotor and compound configurations * Turbine-powered and/or solid rocket motor propelled cruise missiles and interceptors * Lead autonomy mode progression, incremental enablement, and regression testing across vehicle types. * Partner with GNC and Autonomy teams to define measurable performance metrics, safety monitors, and success criteria. * Ensure autonomy behavior is evaluated using structured, repeatable, and defensible test techniques. Flying Qualities & Handling Qualities Evaluation * Lead flying qualities and handling qualities evaluations appropriate to the vehicle class and mission, using: Using what? * Develop novel and non-traditional flying qualities test technique * Define and execute envelope expansion plans, control law evaluations, and handling qualities assessments. Flight Test Planning & Execution * Design test methods to evaluate new and existing mission CONOPs * Lead Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and Post-Test Data reviews and squawks * Act as test conductor during flight operations * Coordinate flight test execution across engineering, flight ops, safety, and program teams. Safety, Risk, and Airworthiness * Lead system safety activities including Test Hazard Analysis (THA) development and Safety Review Board (SRB) meetings * Define knock-it-off criteria and real-time safety decision thresholds. * Maintain and evolve Mach's Flight Test Safety Management System (SMS). * Interface with DoD range safety and airworthiness authorities.(Added bullet) Infrastructure & Capability Building * Guide the design and build-out of flight test infrastructure, including: * Ground Control Stations (GCS) * Telemetry, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems * Define standards for data collection, reduction, and archival. * Support scaling of the flight test organization through hiring input and organizational design. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline (Master's preferred). * 10-15+ years of aerospace experience, with significant responsibility in flight test engineering roles. * Demonstrated experience developing and testing autonomous or highly augmented aircraft systems across multiple vehicle classes. * Experience writing and executing flight and ground test plans at the component, subassembly, and system levels. * Proven ability to design and execute flying qualities evaluations, including development of novel techniques where standards are insufficient. * Experience operating on DoD or restricted test ranges. * Demonstrated mentorship and technical leadership of early-career engineers. Preferred Qualifications * Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) or equivalent advanced flight test training (e.g., military, government, or accredited civilian TPS). * Experience with mission planning tools, autonomy frameworks, and custom GCS software. * Pilot (Part 107 and/or 61), or extensive RC flight test background. * Calm, decisive leadership in high-risk or time-critical test environments. * Strong organizational skills with a bias toward disciplined execution and data integrity. Disclosures This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach's total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!

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