Flight Test Engineer (UAS)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States; on-site. Regular field work for 1–3 days and travel to various private and DoD test ranges, including occasional out-of-state and international travel.

Salary: $105,000–$140,000 annually for Flight Test Engineer; $140,000–$180,000 annually for Senior Flight Test Engineer, plus equity opportunities.

Company

hirify.global is a rapidly growing defense technology startup developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms and decentralized systems for the United States and its allies.

What you will do

• Coordinate flight test operations and advise engineering teams on test requirements, systems checks, data systems, and test equipment.
• Develop CONOPS, test procedures, readiness reviews, safety analyses, and post-flight review materials.
• Lead testing workflows covering preparation, dry runs, day-of-test execution, and post-test reviews.
• Build test infrastructure at primary test sites, including test equipment and ground control systems.
• Construct flight test campaigns and coordinate demonstrations with systems, GNC, and energetics engineers.
• Maintain company safety policies and keep product development teams informed of operational requirements.

Requirements

• Engineering degree required unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated.
• At least 5 years of related aerospace experience, preferably in UAS flight test engineering.
• Experience across flight test operations and development campaigns, with the ability to lead requirements and test execution.
• Strong written communication for briefs, test reports, formal test forms, and processes.
• Ability to work in the field regularly and travel to test ranges, including internationally.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; employment may require authorization to access technology controlled by U.S. export control laws without export-license sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Experience with Mission Planner and other ground control station software.
• Private pilot license or Part 107 certification.
• Private pilot or radio-controlled aircraft experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Startup environment focused on rapid innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and career development.
• Opportunities to help build and scale the flight test organization.