Flight Test Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Pyka is looking for a flight test engineer to support the development and testing of its advanced autonomous aircraft. You will spend most of your time in Dixon or Victoria Island, CA, but may travel for 1-2 weeks at a time for both spray and cargo demonstrations and to provide support to customer locations.

This is a multidisciplinary role that interacts with internal and external organizations, so written and verbal communication skills are critical. You will be instrumental in ensuring the standardization of aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, instructional techniques, as well as informing the evolution of the product itself.

An engineering degree is not required, although the candidate must be technically knowledgeable, preferably with experience with flight operations with either manned aircraft or UAVs.

Responsibilities

• Guarantee continuous operations at local test sites sites by identifying, troubleshooting and fixing any arising issues, with the remote help of Pyka’s engineering teams

• Recommend new features, improvements, design changes, etc. to the design team

• Conduct diverse fleet maintenance activities, involving the aircraft itself, ground infrastructure, laptops, and batteries

• Assemble, prepare and fully test airframe airworthiness post production and before shipment to customer sites

• Serve as Pilot In Command or Ground Control Operator of experimental / developmental unmanned aircraft

• Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as Test Conductor or Test Crew member

• Manage complex logistics in support of flight operations

Required Qualifications

• Experience flying fixed wing UAVs / model aircraft or large multirotors

• Experience with ground control and mission planning software

• Experience with mechanical and electrical systems, assembly, and troubleshooting

• Basic high voltage safety knowledge and comfortable working on 120 VDC, 20 ~ 30 kW systems

• Familiarity with linux, command line usage, git

• Proficient in Portuguese or Spanish

• Experience visualizing and analyzing data logs

• Knowledge of aircraft systems and manuals

• Independent and motivated, with an extremely strong work ethic; able to self-direct and manage time

• Extreme attention to detail and thoroughness

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Part 61 pilot certificate is a plus

• Located in Solano or Contra Costa County

• We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.

Compensation & Benefits

• $101,000- $174,000 expected total cash compensation per year + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.

• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance

• FSA with employer matching

• 401(k)

• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off

• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

• Pre-tax commuter benefits