Lead Flight Test Engineer, Experimental and Part 23 Aircraft
Venture-backed aviation start-up in Los Angeles County, hiring through a recruiting firm
| Employer | Venture-backed aviation start-up in Los Angeles County, hiring through a recruiting firm (not named) |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Angeles, CA (Los Angeles County) · On-site |
| Type & level | Full-time · Lead |
| Pay | USD 140k–190k + equity Source: pay range stated in the source posting |
| Visa path | O-1A fit (senior candidates) |
| Role family | Flight Test Engineer |
About the role
A start-up is taking a newly modified aircraft through experimental testing, certification and into service, and is growing its core flight operations team. This lead role owns test definition, aircraft preparation, ground and flight test activity and the analysis that feeds design and certification decisions. The engineer works inside a small group alongside a manager, mechanics and designers.
What you'll do
- Write practical test documentation and safety cases for ground and flight test campaigns.
- Support test campaigns from aircraft preparation through to test completion.
- Work with pilots, mechanics and engineers on instrumentation, ground-station activity and test readiness.
- Help run the day-to-day operation of the test aircraft.
- Evaluate flight test data and observations and produce clear technical outputs.
- Feed results into design changes, certification evidence and the planning of the next test phase.
Requirements
- Senior experience as an aircraft flight test engineer, including direct involvement in test execution and post-flight analysis.
- Strong grounding in aerodynamics, stability and control, aircraft systems and performance.
- Practical instrumentation and data-analysis capability.
- Familiarity with Part 23 aircraft and the hands-on ground-support side of an active flight test operation.
- Willingness to travel regularly between two sites in Los Angeles County, with occasional wider travel.
Nice to have
- Hands-on Part 23 general aviation flight test exposure, ideally in person with test aircraft.
- Experience working with Designated Airworthiness Representatives.
- A&P certification.
- Civilian or military pilot training.
Pay & benefits
USD 140k–190k + equity. The posting lists equity and a benefits package alongside base pay, but gives no further detail.
Pay source: pay range stated in the source posting. Market data, not an offer from O1DMatch.
Visa path
Senior flight test engineers often support an O-1A case with evidence such as original contributions to certification or test programs, authored technical reports, a high salary, and past critical roles on notable aircraft programs. The posting states no citizenship restriction. An employer like this one, or a U.S. agent, could file the petition if the candidate qualifies. Approval depends on the individual's evidence and is never assured.
How to get matched
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- Upload your evidenceEach document is sorted under the criterion it supports, and your criteria map shows what is still missing.
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This listing describes a real U.S. posting so you can see what employers ask for. O1DMatch does not represent that employer and does not hold this opening; applying matches you with employers hiring for this kind of role. No visa outcome is promised.