3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
Proficiency in Python or C++ programming
Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols
Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware
Familiarity with standard CAD software
Strong cross-functional communication skills and resilience in rapid iteration cycles
Responsibilities
Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot flight operations of the sub-scale airship model
Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate flight systems
Analyze flight logs and test data for performance insights
Design and iterate on lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship
Develop flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems
Collaborate with GNC engineers to author flight test plans
Benefits
Relocation assistance
Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life, long-term, and short-term disability insurances
Parental leave
Generous PTO plus 10 paid holidays
401(k) matching up to 6%
Daily lunch and snacks provided
Monthly wellness stipend
Monthly cell phone stipend
Yearly education stipend
Fun events and unique experiences like airship rides
Full Job Description
The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of our sub-scale model. We are looking for a versatile engineer with experience in three critical domains-Mechanical, Software, or GNC-to integrate directly with our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight prototyping workflows. The test engineer will work with flight test plans, execute flight test preparations, and work with the rest of the team to analyze flight test data. The test engineer will also work on assisting the team to improve the fidelity of the Baby Airship as a sub-scale model of Pathfinder 1.
Responsibilities
Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of our sub-scale airship model
HIL Simulation: Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations
Flight Data & Analytics: Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into the GNC and sub-scale simulation models
Mechanical: Design and iteration of lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship
Software: Development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python)
GNC: Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics
Qualifications
Experience: 3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
Coding Skills: Proficiency in Python or C++ programming
Flight Software & Protocols: Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols
Hardware Aptitude: Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware
Design Tools: Familiarity with standard CAD software
Mindset: Proven ability to thrive in a rapid "build-test-fail-fix" iteration cycle with strong cross-functional communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations
