CrawlJobs Logo

Lead Flight Test Engineer

United Kingdom, West Wales · Job Posted January 25, 2026
Apply Position
Job Link Share

Job Description

The Lead Flight Test Engineer (FTE) is a key technical authority within TEKEVER Ltd, responsible for the planning, coordination, conduct, and reporting of flight test activities across military and civilian Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This includes TEKEVER’s operational platforms and experimental or developmental systems. The role ensures that all flight test activities (whether for defence clients, civil demonstration campaigns, or regulatory compliance) are performed safely, effectively, and in accordance with MAA, CAA, EASA and other regulatory frameworks. The Lead FTE will critically assess system performance (air vehicle, mission systems, communications, and ground control elements) and ensure missions can be executed within regulatory, safety, and customer requirements. They serve as the primary interface between the Design Organisation, Operations, Regulators, and the Flight Test Organisation.

Job Responsibility

  • Develop detailed Trials/Test Plans for both military and civilian registered UAS
  • Ensure compliance with MAA Regulatory Publications (MRP) for military T&E
  • Ensure compliance with CAA regulations, including CAP 722 series for UAS operations
  • Ensure compliance with EASA UAS and flight test requirements where applicable
  • Define Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) requirements, including sensors, data links, and ground systems
  • Lead airworthiness / regulatory engagement for test approval, including Military Flight Test Permits, CAA Operational Authorisations (OA), OSC content, or specific category risk assessments (SORA), EASA test approvals where applicable
  • Author trials Risk Assessments, Safety Statements, and Test Hazard Analyses
  • Ensure risks associated with flight testing are ALARP and Tolerable, in line with MAA and CAA processes
  • Coordinate with Range Safety, Air Traffic Services, and local airspace authorities
  • Develop and deliver Flight Test Cards for T&E crews
  • Act as Trial Supervisor, Test Director or Test Conductor, operating from TEKEVER Ground Control Stations, or Dedicated Telemetry (TM) Rooms
  • Lead real‑time monitoring of telemetry, system health, and test points
  • Coordinate with T&E crews, operators, telemetry engineers, safety observers, and regulatory representatives
  • Analyse live and post‑flight data to evaluate Air vehicle performance and handling qualities, Autonomy, navigation, and control systems, Datalinks, command & control performance, and payload behaviour
  • Produce professional, standards‑compliant Flight Test Reports (FTR) and Trials Reports
  • Present results to internal stakeholders, design teams, and external customers (MoD, regulatory bodies, industry partners)
  • Support rapid prototyping, spiral, iterative development, system integration, and emerging capabilities
  • Interface with TEKEVER’s engineering, operations, and customer teams to drive continuous improvement
  • Engage in both UK and international test campaigns as required

Requirements

  • ETPS UAS Systems Course Graduate or equivalent qualification
  • Demonstrated experience in flight testing military and/or civilian UAS, or equivalent aerospace systems
  • Strong understanding of UAS system architecture and mission level performance
  • Familiarity with MAA RA 2370 Issue 5 and NPA 26/01 – Test & Evaluation requirements
  • Familiarity with CAA UAS frameworks (e.g., CAP 722, OSC development, SORA)
  • Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, and data analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or mission analysis software)
  • Working knowledge of airworthiness, safety cases, and regulatory compliance
  • Strong communication, technical writing, and stakeholder coordination skills

Nice to have

  • Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
  • Class A or B TP or FTE graduate of a Test Pilot School (TPS), or equivalent modular training
  • Minimum Flyer ID & A1/A3 CAA drone license
  • Hands‑on experience with Military UAS flight test programmes
  • Hands‑on experience with Civil UAS in the open and specific categories
  • Experience working with UK MoD, DE&S, front‑line commands
  • Experience working with Civil aviation authorities and regulatory bodies
  • Experience operating in deployed, maritime, or exercise environments

Looking for more opportunities?

Search for other job offers that match your skills and interests.

Similar Jobs for

Lead Flight Test Engineer

8 matching positions

Lead Flight Test Engineer

The Lead Flight Test Engineer (L-FTE) has the responsibility for the execution o...
Location
Location
China , Tianjin
Salary
Salary:
Not provided
airbus.com Logo
Airbus
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • University degree in aeronautics, preferably in flight mechanics or mechanical engineering
  • >10 years in civil aviation, specifically in flight operations or engineering
  • Integrity
  • Rigorousness
  • Very good English level and communication skills
  • Bachelor of Engineering
  • English CET-6
  • Team player
  • Customer-minded attitude
  • Ability to work in a transnational team
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Execution of flight tests in production on serial aircraft and in delivery with the customer
  • Prepare a test order and conduct a production flight with pilots and crew
  • Support In-Service aircraft activities by testing corporate jet, second hand or asset aircraft
  • Coordinate activities within the crew (pilots, cabin crew) and people on board with relevant CRM
  • Upstream preparation of flights tests and final validation of production flight tests results
  • Follow serial aircrafts status from the FOT up to the TAC and the depart of the aircraft after TOT
  • Elaboration of Flight Test Orders
  • Validation of the production aircraft doing first flight test program as described in the Production Aircraft Test Manual (PATM) and subsequent flights until the aircraft is ready for delivery
  • Debrief of the aircraft status to the flight line
  • Fly with customer during Customer Acceptance Flight by doing checks described in the Customer Acceptance Manual (CAM)
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right
New

Aew Flight Test Engineer

Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) Flight Test Engineer supporting the F/A-18 & E...
Location
Location
United States , Ridgecrest
Salary
Salary:
84137.00 - 90000.00 USD / Year
dcscorp.com Logo
DCS Corporation
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree with an engineering major (including those specified for Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineers are acceptable) with 5 or more years of experience
  • Hold and maintain a Secret security clearance. Must be clearable to the Top-Secret/SCI level
  • Integration, Software Engineering, Program Technical Services, Design, Fabrication and Integration Services, Aircraft Modification Services or Training Services as applicable
  • U.S. citizenship is required
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Design Test Programs to assess the performance of various systems and system concepts
  • Produce detailed Test Plans in accordance with the NAVAIR 3960 format
  • Plan lab, ground and flight test scenarios to support a variety of subsystems, interfaces, communication systems, and data systems
  • Troubleshoot Department of Defense architecture framework and its application to mission level analysis
  • Develop requirements for test scenarios and associated documentation in flight cards
  • Review system level documentation and provide changes and recommendations
  • Develop test methods for evaluating performance and design test scenario(s) to yield valid and measurable quantitative test results
  • Assess safety hazards and mitigate risk in testing. Create Test Hazard Assessments
  • Determine resource and test support requirements, including manpower, money, material and facilities and coordinates support with schedule
  • Produce cost estimates for the project, monitor project expenditures and generate financial reports
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

Principal Flight Test Engineer

Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Flight Test Engineer to serve as a senior...
Location
Location
United States , Huntington Beach
Salary
Salary:
160000.00 - 200000.00 USD / Year
machindustries.com Logo
Mach Industries
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • 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
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Serve as Principal Technical Authority for flight and ground test engineering across autonomous aircraft programs
  • Mentor and technically guide junior flight test engineers
  • Establish internal best practices, templates, and training material for flight test engineering at Mach
  • Own and execute test strategies for autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft, spanning multiple vehicle classes and propulsion types
  • 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
  • Lead flying qualities and handling qualities evaluations appropriate to the vehicle class and mission
  • 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
What we offer
What we offer
  • Offers Equity
  • healthcare
  • dental and vision plans
  • retirement savings
  • paid time off
  • continuing education, training, and career growth funds
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

Flight Test Engineer

Mach develops UAS platforms in various stages of flight test development. This p...
Location
Location
United States , Huntington Beach
Salary
Salary:
100000.00 - 150000.00 USD / Year
machindustries.com Logo
Mach Industries
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • Engineering degree required unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated
  • Minimum of 5 years in related aerospace with preferably UAS flight test engineering
  • Multi-talented across overall test ops, understanding of flight test development campaigns and helping to lead the engineering team on requirements
  • Self led and passionate about responsibility to be a key contributor in building flight test capability
  • Willing to be in the field regularly for 1-3 days
  • Willing to travel to various test ranges
  • Good written communication to write briefs, test reports, and formalize test forms/ processes
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Central coordination for flight test operations
  • Inform the engineering team on key requirements for systems checks, data systems etc
  • Be a driving force in building out test infrastructure at primary test sites and outfitting test equipment, GCS etc
  • Conduct/lead team through testing workflow, including test planning preparations, readiness reviews, dry runs, day of test, and post-test reviews
  • Keep the product development team informed of all requirements
  • Help construct program flight test campaigns with system, GNC, and energetics engineers
  • Coordinating and planning of flight test demos
  • Technical advisor on test operations
  • Perform safety analysis and maintain company safety policies
What we offer
What we offer
  • Offers Equity
  • healthcare
  • dental and vision plans
  • retirement savings
  • paid time off
  • continuing education
  • training
  • career growth
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

Senior/Principal R&D Systems Engineer - Instrumented Flight Test Development

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Systems Engineer to join the W76-1 Joint T...
Location
Location
United States , Albuquerque
Salary
Salary:
117500.00 - 235700.00 USD / Year
sandia.gov Logo
Sandia National Laboratories
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent is required to start
  • Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Experience working on engineering design, qualification, or production projects within the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • High attention to detail to provide critical review for requirements tracing.
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies.
  • Proven experience in requirements elicitation, analysis, and documentation.
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS).
  • Background in nuclear weapons lifecycle and familiarity with processes within the NSE.
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Analyze and translate complex functional and non-functional requirements into clear, actionable technical specifications.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive requirement traceability matrices, ensuring every detail is tracked throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Lead collaborative requirement reviews with cross-functional teams to ensure requirements align with customer intent and mission needs.
  • Partner with design and production teams to define interfaces, integration plans, and ensure that designs are both manufacturable and testable.
  • Assist in crafting robust test plans and validation strategies that ensure smooth qualification and product delivery that meets surveillance mission needs.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to refine how we gather and manage requirements, making our processes more efficient and effective.
What we offer
What we offer
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

Senior R&D Systems Engineer - Instrumented Flight Test Development

We are seeking a highly motivated R&D Systems Engineer to join the W76-1 Joint T...
Location
Location
United States , Albuquerque
Salary
Salary:
102400.00 - 199700.00 USD / Year
sandia.gov Logo
Sandia National Laboratories
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development
  • Active DOE Q Clearance or equivalent is required to start
  • Graduate degree in Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement
  • Experience working on engineering design, qualification, or production projects within the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
  • High attention to detail to provide critical review for requirements tracing
  • Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies
  • Proven experience in requirements elicitation, analysis, and documentation
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS)
  • Background in nuclear weapons lifecycle and familiarity with processes within the NSE
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Analyze and translate complex functional and non-functional requirements into clear, actionable technical specifications
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive requirement traceability matrices, ensuring every detail is tracked throughout the project lifecycle
  • Lead collaborative requirement reviews with cross-functional teams to ensure requirements align with customer intent and mission needs
  • Partner with design and production teams to define interfaces, integration plans, and ensure that designs are both manufacturable and testable
  • Assist in crafting robust test plans and validation strategies that ensure smooth qualification and product delivery that meets surveillance mission needs
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to refine how we gather and manage requirements, making our processes more efficient and effective
What we offer
What we offer
  • 9/80 compressed workweeks
  • 4/10 compressed workweeks
  • Part-time work
  • Telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation
  • Strong medical benefits
  • Other benefits
  • Competitive 401k
  • Learning opportunities
  • Relocation assistance
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

Lead Vehicle Test Engineer

As a Lead Vehicle Test Engineer, you’ll own the planning and execution of REGENT...
Location
Location
United States , North Kingstown
Salary
Salary:
Not provided
regentcraft.com Logo
REGENT Craft
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • Experience in vehicle, marine, flight, or integrated prototype testing (aerospace, maritime, automotive, or advanced mobility), with ownership of test events end-to-end
  • Proven ability to build structured test plans (phased campaigns, test readiness criteria, configuration control, and disciplined documentation) in fast-moving development programs
  • Strong safety mindset and experience with hazard analysis / risk management (e.g., hazard logs, operational risk assessments, TRRs, safety/airworthiness reviews)
  • Hands-on comfort in the field: working around vehicles, boats, aircraft, high voltage, propulsion systems, or other high-energy systems—calm, decisive, and methodical under pressure
  • Ability to communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences—confident presenting at reviews and aligning cross-functional teams around plan, risk, and execution
  • Experience leveraging test data for decision-making (telemetry review, anomaly triage, post-test reporting)
  • familiarity with instrumentation and data systems is a plus
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Plan and execute test campaigns across sea and air testing—designing phased programs from early on-water trials through flight test and certification-support activities
  • Develop risk-informed test plans and procedures (test cards, checklists, envelope expansion plans) that systematically reduce risk while advancing capability and performance
  • Translate engineering requirements into executable tests by partnering with design, loads, controls, structures, and systems to define objectives, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and constraints
  • Own test readiness and event coordination, ensuring vehicle configuration, personnel, supporting assets, infrastructure, and test environment are aligned for safe execution
  • Lead and contribute to hazard assessments and safety reviews, identifying hazards, implementing mitigations, and communicating go/no-go logic in high-consequence environments
  • Support real-time and post-test analysis, monitoring key telemetry during events, capturing anomalies, and producing clear post-test reports that drive decisions and next-step planning
What we offer
What we offer
  • Competitive compensation including a robust equity incentive plan
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 100% of your premiums
  • 401(k) with company matching
  • Generous flexible time off, paid parental leave, and company-wide holiday breaks
  • Relocation packages available
  • Daily, free catered lunches
  • Learning & professional development opportunities
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right

R&D Electrical Engineer - W87-1 Flight Test Team

We are seeking an Electrical Engineer to join the dynamic W87-1 Systems team, fo...
Location
Location
United States , Livermore
Salary
Salary:
121900.00 - 237800.00 USD / Year
sandia.gov Logo
Sandia National Laboratories
Expiration Date
Until further notice
Flip Icon
Requirements
Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance
  • Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation)
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers
  • Outstanding verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present briefings that are clear and compelling
  • Preferred degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is preferred at the time of application
  • Experience contributing within a NW Systems Engineering or Telemetry (TM) team on a LEP, Mod, Futures, Stockpile System, or a related/equivalent DoW modernization program
  • Experience with stockpile or development ND systems, including ND reentry systems and JTA experience
  • Experience collaborating with SNL test facilities and organizations, demonstrating effective partnership across disciplines
Job Responsibility
Job Responsibility
  • Design and Innovate: Create and design cutting-edge test equipment, subcomponents, cables, and other hardware to meet rigorous performance standards for Flight Test Vehicles
  • Integrate Systems: Conduct requirements discovery, negotiation, and verification for mission objectives and missile compliance, collaborating across engineering domains (hardware, software, mechanical, aerospace, etc.) to ensure cohesive system integration
  • Lead Technical Direction: Provide guidance to technologist and partners in the assembly, calibration, troubleshooting, and operation of test equipment, system components, and instrumentation of hardware
  • Troubleshoot and Resolve: Identify root causes of anomalies and failures during testing and development phases
  • Conduct Electrical Functional Testing: Prepare and operate systems testers, analyze telemetry data, and develop unique test assets to convert data into usable engineering units
  • Develop Automated Solutions: Design automated test solutions for weapon systems, including test fixtures, cables, electrical sensors, and instrumentation hardware
  • Collaborate Effectively: Work with SNL Systems Organizations and stakeholders to keep flight test plans on schedule and address integration testing challenges
  • Test and Evaluate: Analyze test data to inform design decisions, support pre-flight assembly activities, and identify and mitigate risks in system design and testing processes
What we offer
What we offer
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance
  • Fulltime
Read More
Arrow Right