Senior Test Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes.
• Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for materials, systems, and assemblies.
• Write and review test plans, test reports, and specifications for intent and completeness.
• Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor.
• Identify and lead new test capability developments, including new testing methods and DAQ systems.
• Develop procedures for test technicians to execute, supporting test programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 4+ years of experience in the aerospace/aviation industry as a materials engineer, test engineer, mechanical engineer, systems engineer.
• Proven experience with sensor, part, or material selection, qualification, characterization, or acceptance testing for aerospace/aviation materials/structures/systems.
• Experience with industry standard test methods, such as ASTM, FAA, SACMA, SAE, DO-160, ISO, or similar.
• Experience with failure modes of engineering materials and parts, such as composites, valves, actuators, and gears.
• Experience with aviation environmental conditions and requirements, such as flammability, UV, humidity, corrosion, damage tolerance, and fatigue.
• Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test machines, sensors, and DAQ systems.
• Ability to understand, organize, and interpret test data and provide recommendations based on data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations to technical and managerial audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with FAA certification requirements, developing or qualifying flight systems
• 1+ year(s) experience in managing projects in an aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing setting
• Advanced degree in a related field
• Experience using Statistical Process Control and Root Cause to drive continuous improvement and solve problems
• Experience working in an AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO certified test laboratory
• Ability to program test equipment using LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar.
• Ability to analyze data and perform statistical methods using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, Tableau, or similar
• Experience with structural testing, strain gauge measurements, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

What We Offer!

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Physical / Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check clearance
• Drug test clearance wherever applicable
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.