Posted on 22 Feb 2026

Experimental Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA
Permanent
$130,000 - $200,000

ACE Partners is supporting one of their Aviation partners with an experienced Experimental Flight Test Engineering opportunity; to support the development and certification with their existing and new programmes. This role sits within a small, highly capable flight test team responsible for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on ground and flight test activities for experimental rotorcraft and systems. 

You will work hands-on across the full flight test lifecycle, partnering closely with engineering, certification, and flight operations to safely mature new aircraft and systems from early development through type certification. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Develop experimental flight test requirements and translate engineering objectives into safe, effective test plans, test cards, and procedures.
  • Act as a flight test crew member and/or test conductor during development and research flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
  • Plan, brief, execute, and debrief complex flight test sorties in accordance with approved safety and test procedures.
  • Analyze flight test data and produce clear, concise flight test reports and technical documentation.
  • Define requirements for, and support the design and installation of, specialized flight test instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop test strategies, configurations, schedules, and execution plans.
  • Support development and certification flight test programmers for fixed and rotary-wing aircrafts.
  • Lead and participate in flight test safety activities, including hazard identification, risk mitigation, test readiness reviews, and safety briefings.
  • Interface directly with regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA, TCCA) in support of certification flight test activities.
  • Participate in design reviews and assist in resolving cross-discipline technical issues.
  • Maintain configuration control of test articles and ensure compliance with internal processes and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain flight test engineer currency across multiple experimental rotorcraft.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of flight test methods, tools, and organizational processes. 

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as an experimental flight test engineer.
  • Demonstrated experience in development and type certification flight test programmers.
  • Strong understanding of experimental flight-testing principles, aerodynamics, performance, and flying qualities.
  • Working knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics flight test methods, and applicable FAR requirements.
  • Proven experience managing risk and safety in an experimental flight test environment.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Self-starter with strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work irregular hours and travel to offsite test locations as required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard engineering software tools.

Desired Qualifications

  • Graduate of a recognized flight test school or equivalent flight test experience
  • Experience defining, designing, and installing specialized flight test instrumentation
  • DER and/or ODA experience
  • Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline
  • FAA Helicopter Pilot Certificate and flight experience 

Compensation & Benefits

  • 401k
  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision 
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