About the role

Applied Intuition is seeking a dynamic Flight Test Engineer to accelerate the validation and evaluation of autonomous aerial systems through high-fidelity simulation and real-world operation. You will collaborate with software developers, solution engineers, technical program managers, external partners, and customers to conduct full-system development testing, ensuring our autonomy stacks bridge the gap between live, virtual, and constructive aircraft system capabilities. This is a high-impact opportunity to define the testing infrastructure for the next generation of flight, ensuring rapid, safe deployment in an innovative environment.

At Applied Intuition, you will:

• End-to-End Test Ownership: Lead the strategic development and execution of comprehensive test plans, operating with high autonomy to define the roadmap for validating complex flight systems.

• Mission-Critical Execution: Direct ground and flight test operations at private and government ranges, managing everything from resource logistics to the safe, rigorous deployment of hardware and software.

• Data-Driven Collaboration: Bridge the gap between the field and the lab by performing initial data analysis and providing engineering teams with the technical observations needed to iterate on autonomy stacks.

• Process Architecture: Design and refine standardized testing procedures and safety protocols to ensure rapid, reliable system evaluation in a fast-paced development environment

We’re looking for someone who has:

• High agency and the ability to directly influence test programs

• Strong understanding of the US Defense space and ability to navigate DOD organizations

• Experience in acquisition, test, and evaluation of aviation products

• An advanced (graduate) degree in a technical field related to aerospace

• Completed training in NTPS, USAF TPS, Navy TPS, or equivalent

• Ability to create and refine test objectives, and lead test plan working groups, test reviews, and safety reviews

• Ability to author clear and concise test plans, test reports, communication plans, hazard analyses, quick look reports, checklists, and test cards

• Experience communicating between technical experts and vehicle operators

• Experience running test missions as a test conductor or test director

Travel Requirements:

• Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time.

• This role can be based in one of the following locations: Washington, DC; or Fort Walton Beach, FL, San Diego, CA or Ann Arbor, MI. Relocation offered.

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Must have an active U.S. security clearance

For more information about U.S. security clearances: click here.

Nice to have:

• Prior military flight test experience

• Prior FAA airspace sUAS experience

• Prior sUAS autopilot operations, such as QGroundControl, Pixhawk, and MAVlink

• Proven ability as a self-starter that can adapt and define their role

• FAA Part 107 license

• FAA private pilot license

• Prior experience deploying for flight test campaigns

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Please reference the job posting subtitle for where this position will be located. For pay transparency purposes, the base salary range for this full-time position in the location listed is: $155,000 to $190,000 USD annually.