Senior Manager, Flight Test Engineering

Description

The Senior Manager of Flight Test Engineering will lead Firestorm Labs' Flight Test team, overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of flight tests for autonomous aerial systems. This role combines technical direction, mentorship, and cross‑functional collaboration to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and rapid system maturation.

In this position, you will shape the engineering roadmap for flight testing, develop capacity plans, and create standardized processes, metrics, and KPIs. You will partner with Operations, Product, Engineering, and Program Management to align test strategies with product roadmaps and resolve complex integration challenges.

• Lead and mentor the Flight Test Engineering team, providing technical guidance and fostering a safety‑focused culture.
• Establish and refine flight test methodologies for evaluating autonomous mission capabilities using surrogate vehicles.
• Develop long‑term capacity planning and standardized processes, metrics, and KPIs for flight test operations.
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, Product, Engineering, and Program Management to align test strategies with product roadmaps.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 107 and other regulatory requirements throughout all flight test activities.
• Manage resource allocation, budgeting, and scheduling for multiple test campaigns across programs.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related field, have at least ten years of UAV testing experience (five in a leadership role), and be a U.S. citizen eligible for a DoD security clearance. Expertise in both software and hardware integration, FAA Part 107 certification, and strong communication and problem‑solving skills are required.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, twelve or more years in aerospace or defense engineering, experience with test automation frameworks, and familiarity with AI/ML‑enabled edge systems or DoD/NASA UAS programs.

The role is based at Firestorm’s headquarters in San Diego, CA, with relocation assistance available. Candidates should be willing to travel up to 40% domestically for testing and demonstrations and work flexible hours as needed.

Export control compliance requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligibility for the necessary ITAR/EAR authorizations to meet U.S. government regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of UAV testing experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance due to ITAR regulations.
• Proven expertise in software and hardware integration for complex autonomous systems.
• Current FAA Part 107 certification or ability to obtain one.
• Preferred: master’s degree, 12+ years aerospace/defense experience, test automation framework knowledge, AI/ML edge system familiarity.

Benefits

Firestorm offers a salary range of $165,000‑$195,000 USD, reflecting experience, education, certifications, and geographic factors. Compensation may vary based on market conditions and internal structures.

The company provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, equity grants, unlimited paid time off, generous holiday and parental leave, a lifestyle spending account, and a suite of insurance options. Additional perks include mental‑health resources, free legal and financial support, and various wellness programs.

• Benefits: comprehensive medical/dental/vision plans, 401(k), equity grants, unlimited PTO, generous holidays, parental leave, lifestyle spending account, multiple insurance options, mental‑health resources, legal/financial support.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance