Flight Test Engineer

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, 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 350 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 Flight Test Engineer to support the planning, execution, and analysis of ground and flight testing for autonomous aircraft and related systems.

This role works closely with design engineering, systems engineering, manufacturing, and Flight Operations to translate technical requirements into safe, executable tests. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test procedures, configure instrumentation, support test execution, evaluate results, and document whether test objectives were achieved.

This is an entry-level role intended for an engineer who has strong technical fundamentals and wants to develop hands-on experience testing rapidly evolving aerospace systems.

Key Responsibilities

Test Planning and Development

• Translate system and subsystem requirements into measurable test objectives.
• Develop ground-test and flight-test procedures.
• Write test cards, test plans, and supporting readiness documentation.
• Define success criteria and identify the data required to evaluate them.
• Develop test matrices that account for configurations, conditions, and operating limits.
• Support the design of subsystem, integration, and vehicle-level tests.
• Coordinate test requirements with engineering and Flight Operations personnel.

Test Readiness

• Support Flight Readiness Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, and other pre-test reviews.
• Coordinate the completion of pre-test actions and verify that test objectives are understood.
• Assist with test-hazard identification and mitigation.
• Verify that aircraft configuration, software, instrumentation, test equipment, and required personnel are ready for execution.
• Help prepare test sites, ground-support equipment, and data-acquisition systems.

Test Execution

• Support ground testing, hardware integration, and flight-test activities.
• Configure and verify instrumentation, telemetry, data-acquisition equipment, and test fixtures.
• Serve in assigned test-team positions under the direction of a Test Director or lead Flight Test Engineer.
• Monitor test progress and communicate deviations, hazards, and unexpected behavior.
• Capture test discrepancies, squawks, configuration changes, and relevant operator observations.
• Work with Flight Operations while maintaining clear ownership boundaries between test direction and vehicle operation.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Collect, organize, and review test data.
• Perform log analysis using tools such as Nominal, Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
• Compare test results against defined requirements and success criteria.
• Support root-cause investigations and verification of corrective actions.
• Complete Flight Test Data Reports and other test records.
• Write clear test reports that document configurations, methods, results, discrepancies, and conclusions.
• Maintain traceable flight-test records and technical documentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in post-test reviews and lessons-learned discussions.
• Recommend improvements to test procedures, tools, instrumentation, and workflows.
• Help improve the repeatability and efficiency of ground and flight testing.
• Maintain current templates, checklists, and test documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Understanding of basic systems-engineering principles.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and convert them into measurable test objectives.
• Familiarity with engineering data analysis using Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work directly with aircraft, test equipment, and field teams.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-moving development environment where configurations and schedules may change rapidly.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and support testing outside normal business hours when required.
• Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, academic, military, or professional experience involving aerospace testing, robotics, UAS, or autonomous systems.
• Previous ground-test or flight-test support experience.
• Experience developing test procedures or test cards.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, telemetry, data acquisition, or sensor integration.
• Experience integrating mechanical, electrical, avionics, or communications hardware.
• Familiarity with aircraft systems, autopilots, ground-control stations, or UAS operations.
• Experience participating in requirements reviews, test-readiness reviews, or failure investigations.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Active or previously held U.S. security clearance.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Engineer

$105,000—$140,000 USD

Senior Engineer

$140,000—$180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

Data Privacy
To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy.

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!