--- title: 'Flight Test Engineer at AEVEX' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/flight-test-engineer-aevex-poway-mk7x1py5efny' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-01' --- # Flight Test Engineer at AEVEX - **Company:** AEVEX - **Location:** Poway, CA - **Compensation:** $125k–$150k - **Posted:** 2026-10-29 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-01 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace/jobs/5464880008 ## Job description Work Arrangement This is an onsite position with required domestic travel (approximately 25%) Job Overview This is a Flight Test Engineer support position for the MQ-9 and Predator B variants development test, designing top-level development test programs at the Medium Altitude UAS division for AFLCMC/Det 3 MQ-9 sustainment efforts in California. The ideal candidate has experience with UAS flight test and project execution and implementing management procedures and controls. This person will provide advisory support and recommend project execution focus areas. This position requires teamwork, patience, a firm understanding of test and evaluation, and the ability to travel. Essential Functions - Provide advisory, review, or draft documentation for development of test plans and safety packages generated by the USAF, prime weapon system Contractor, and associated Contractors by attending test planning working groups and test interface meetings - Provide advisory assistance to the Government in support of any UAS incidents that require Safety and Accident Investigations - Perform all facets of flight testing, from initial planning and operations through execution, data collection, reduction and analysis, report writing and recommendations to ensure on-time completion - Provide project officer leadership required to plan and execute developed test or operate as project engineer or flight test engineer as required - Provide advisory assistance to facilitate problem-solving and provide recommendations for Government consideration geared to optimize any "Course of Action" managing personnel and equipment to ensure all flight tests are accomplished and are on time - Interface with the various test organizations to support test and safety plan approvals, communicate program office priorities and work daily scheduling issues - Interface with the prime contractor and subcontractors to support the prioritization and scheduling of test item modifications, maintenance and flight test requirements - Review and identify potential issues relating to modification packages for air vehicles, ground control stations, and other support equipment - Develop briefings and reports as required to update program leadership on progress - Work with the System Program Office to obtain required air worthiness assessment, risk analysis, and military flight release - Assess and/or evaluate both subjective and objective data acquired through test execution - Assist the Government in planning/executing system configurations and troubleshoot those configurations to support required sorties - Facilitate the scheduling of unique test resources (e.g., range, weapons, etc.) and flight test activities - Review proposals for validity and identify potential discrepancies relating to flight test requirements - Support the program and the other PMs by providing test advice, recommending priorities, performing resource planning, and identifying constraints, and recommending inputs into deficiency identification and correction actions - Perform other related duties as assigned Standard Essential Functions - Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule]. - Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices. - Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture. ## Qualifications and Competencies - Must possess test and evaluation experience in an aerospace program with knowledge, experience, and recognized ability to be considered an aviation test engineering expert - Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment - Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals - The capability to represent the organization as a prime technical contact - The ability to provide leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals - Must be able to maintain a security clearance - Must be proficient in the MS Office productivity suite Education / Certifications - Bachelors or Masters Engineering degree required (see years of related experience below) - ABET-accredited engineering program preferred ## Experience - Twelve (12) years of experience in aeronautical engineering with a bachelor's Degree, ten (10) years of related experience with a Masters Degree - At least five (5) of which in the DoD - Experience with UAS flight test preferred Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is: Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers Frequently required to stand for extended periods of time Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds Occasionally required to lift up to 15 pounds Occasionally required to view objects up close and distant range with hand eye coordination Frequently required to reach overhead and frequently reach at/below shoulder level Occasionally experience a high level of noise, adverse weather or temperature conditions Occasionally required to operate hand tools, equipment, heavy machinery Occasionally required to operate motor vehicle Security Clearance - Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required. The Company provides a reasonable range of compensation. Actual compensation is influenced by an array of factors including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, and specific location. The range of starting pay for this position is for the listed location only. Salary Range $125,000—$150,000 USD ## About AEVEX AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees. Recruitment Communication Notice: All official correspondence regarding your application, application status, interviews, or the AEVEX hiring process will come directly from an AEVEX representative using an @aevex.com email address or through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system. Please use caution with communications claiming to represent AEVEX from other email domains, and always verify the sender before responding or providing personal information. Equal Employment Opportunity: AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. ## About AEVEX ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: AEVEX designs, manufactures, and deploys autonomous systems, navigation technologies, and mission solutions for U.S. and allied defense forces. - **Entity Type**: Private (LLC – backed by undisclosed investors) - **Headquarters**: Solana Beach, California, USA (with major facilities in Tampa, Florida; Crestview, Florida; Murrieta, California; and Huntsville, Alabama) - **Founded**: Not publicly available - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Defense technology, aerospace, unmanned systems, autonomous navigation, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied military forces, government agencies (B2G) - **Mission**: “To design, deliver, and scale autonomous systems that create a decisive advantage in the modern battlespace.” ## Products & Services - **[CompassX](https://aevex.com/)**: Open‑standards, AI‑driven navigation and autonomy platform for crewed and uncrewed systems, including GPS‑denied navigation and autonomous targeting. - **[Atlas](https://aevex.com/)**: Group II autonomous precision strike system with high payload‑to‑GTOW ratio for tactical dominance. - **[Disruptor](https://aevex.com/)**: Next‑generation autonomous precision strike system for extended endurance, multi‑domain versatility (precision attack, ISR, communications relay, EW). - **[Raker](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance, fixed‑wing uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) produced via digital engineering and additive manufacturing. - **[Vandal](https://aevex.com/)**: Low‑signature UAS with vision‑based navigation, electric propulsion, and RF‑transparent materials for stealthy operations. - **[Mako Lite](https://aevex.com/)**: Lightweight, expeditionary unmanned surface vessel for maritime ISR, logistics, and communications. - **[Mariana](https://aevex.com/)**: Long‑endurance ISR UAS with open architecture, autonomous operation, and modular payload design. - **Engineering & Mission Support**: Aircraft engineering, ISR operations, systems integration, and sustainment services. ## Market Standing - **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed - **Key Metric (Private)**: Total funding – not publicly available; notable contract wins include an $18.5M U.S. Air Force contract for UAS and engineering services, a $15.2M option year for real‑time aerial intelligence for California, and $15.6M in U.S. Air Force mission‑support contracts. - **Notable Investors / Partners**: Unnamed; recent acquisitions include Veth Research Associates (contested/GPS‑denied navigation) and select assets from RapidFlight (additive manufacturing). - **Growth Signals**: - Opened a 60,000 sq ft UAS production facility and showroom in Florida. - Launched “Drone Factory of the Future” using additive manufacturing for rapid, scalable production. - Achieved AS9100 certification (aerospace quality standard). - Leadership transition: Brian Raduenz becomes Executive Chairman, Roger Wells appointed CEO. - Active hiring: 103 job openings across multiple locations. ## Competitive Advantages - **Speed & Scale**: Digital engineering and additive manufacturing enable rapid prototyping and production at the edge (Drone Factory of the Future). - **Open Architecture**: CompassX platform integrates crewed and uncrewed systems with AI‑driven autonomy, resistant to GPS denial. - **Proven in Conflict**: Systems designed and built for real‑world modern battlespace conditions, with a focus on contested and denied environments. - **Vertical Integration**: From hardware (UAS, USV) to software (autonomy, navigation) to mission support and ISR services. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling autonomous systems production through the Drone Factory of the Future. - Expanding UAS portfolio for multi‑domain operations (air, maritime, ground). - Deepening capabilities in contested environments (GPS‑denied navigation, low‑signature platforms). - Strengthening relationships with U.S. and allied defense customers via speed‑to‑need delivery and proven performance. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Mission‑driven, values of Accountability, Integrity, Tenacity, Excellence, Teamwork. Emphasis on “moving the mission faster, farther, and forward.” - **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, Health FSA / HSA, 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off and holidays, 2 weeks paid parental leave, professional development stipend, monthly gym stipend, wellness initiatives, EAP, life and disability insurance. - **Work Arrangements**: Multiple on‑site locations (Solana Beach, CA; Tampa & Crestview, FL; Murrieta, CA; Huntsville, AL). Remote/hybrid policy not explicitly stated; roles likely on‑site due to defense nature. - **Growth**: 103 active job postings across engineering, operations, business development, IT, HR, and more. Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge autonomous systems in a high‑growth defense tech company. ## Sources 1. [aevex.com](https://aevex.com/) – Official website (products, mission, values, news) 2. [aevex.com/who-we-are](https://aevex.com/who-we-are/) – Mission, vision, values, and culture 3. [aevex.com/careers](https://aevex.com/careers/) – Careers page with benefits overview 4. [job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/aevexaerospace) – Active job listings (103 roles) 5. [linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aevex-aerospace) – LinkedIn profile (headquarters, industry) ## Other roles at AEVEX - [Sr. Manager - Cybersecurity](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-manager-cybersecurity-aevex-tampa-rnmerqzvm8af) — Tampa, FL - [Software Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/software-technician-aevex-baltimore-rzeds2xpspad) — Baltimore, MD - [Junior Field Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/junior-field-engineer-aevex-baltimore-60kj3m3b7ce1) — Baltimore, MD - [Crew Chief 2](https://feeny.ai/job/crew-chief-2-aevex-sierra-vista-dwdt3r5560ze) — Sierra Vista, AZ - [Program Control Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/program-control-analyst-aevex-baltimore-7abmq541z83n) — Baltimore, MD - [Network Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/network-engineer-aevex-baltimore-efc3rszgmsr6) — Baltimore, MD - [Marine Technician Jr.](https://feeny.ai/job/marine-technician-jr-aevex-san-diego-srgfgj3n83cv) — San Diego, CA - [Engineering Support Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-support-specialist-aevex-tampa-addd3r04mgc6) — Tampa, FL - [Sr. Corporate Paralegal](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-corporate-paralegal-aevex-united-states-c007ndyfwpxg) — United States - [Cyber Security Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cyber-security-engineer-aevex-baltimore-c62jv3mc4kvm) — Baltimore, MD