Flight Test Engineer I
U.S. Citizenship Required
Department: Integration and Test
Location: 320 Congress Street 1st Floor Boston, MA 02210
Autonodyne is a dynamic Boston-based software company working to provide additive autonomy to unmanned vehicles in land, sea, and air domains. Our technology stack applies mainly to the defense sector, but we view most of our work as dual use for commercial applications.
We are a rapidly growing organization with over 100 people employed today. At Autonodyne, we offer the opportunity to be part of a small yet ambitious team with a fun, dog-friendly office culture. If you're ready to make a real difference in the world of autonomy, we want to hear from you!
We are searching for a highly motivated Flight Test Engineer to support the verification, validation, and demonstration of autonomous unmanned systems. This role will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to write, execute, and analyze flight tests across our test fleet. The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and excited about working at the intersection of hardware, software, and flight operations.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with Systems Engineers to develop detailed test plans, procedures, and test cards to support system verification and validation (V&V) efforts.
- Coordinate and execute ground and flight tests, including pre-flight inspections, configuration control, and post-flight debriefs.
- Maintain and configure the Autonodyne test fleet, including airframes, avionics, payloads, and support equipment.
- Document and assist with troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and software issues encountered during integration and flight testing.
- Collect, process, and analyze flight test data (telemetry logs, sensor data, system performance metrics).
- Effectively record and communicate flight test results and data in an organized and meaningful manner.
- Support flight demonstrations for internal stakeholders, customers, and government partners.
- Assist in refining test methodologies, instrumentation setups, and data analysis workflows.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering or related field.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
- Experience in one or more of the following:
- Electrical system design
- Robotics or autonomous systems
- Embedded systems
- UAV or unmanned platforms
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
- Ability to work outdoors in a flight test environment and travel occasionally to test sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or project experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
- Familiarity with common UAV subsystems
- power distribution
- motor control/ESCs
- GNSS and IMUs
- RF communications and telemetry links
- payload and sensor integration
- Familiarity with Ardupilot, PX4
- Familiarity with autonomy algorithms.
- Experience with data analysis.
- Experience reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
- Familiarity with flight test documentation standards or structured V&V processes.
- Part 107 license, or hands-on RC/UAV flight experience (a plus).
Travel:
This position will likely involve travel to customer and non-customer sites principally in North America (up to 20%), but global travel is also possible.
Other Criteria:
Strongly prefer domicile near the Boston/Cambridge metro area but will consider non-local domicile – relocation to Boston area part of compensation package, if necessary.
Security clearance (active or previous) or the ability to be granted one desired.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer:
Autonodyne provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, family care status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or with respect to any other protected class.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02210
