Flight Test Engineer (Multiple Levels)

Flight Test EngineerPyka's goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation. To get there, we're taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes. Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.What you work on at Pyka makes people's lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.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 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.ResponsibilitiesGuarantee continuous operations at local test sites by identifying, troubleshooting and fixing any arising issues, with the remote help of Pyka's engineering teamsRecommend new features, improvements, design changes, etc. to the design teamConduct diverse fleet maintenance activities, involving the aircraft itself, ground infrastructure, laptops, and batteriesAssemble, prepare and fully test airframe airworthiness post production and before shipment to customer sitesServe as Pilot In Command or Ground Control Operator of experimental / developmental unmanned aircraftLead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as Test Conductor or Test Crew memberManage complex logistics in support of flight operationsRequired QualificationsExperience flying fixed wing UAVs / model aircraft or large multirotorsExperience with ground control and mission planning softwareExperience with mechanical and electrical systems, assembly, and troubleshootingBasic high voltage safety knowledge and comfortable working on 120 VDC, 20 ~ 30 kW systemsFamiliarity with linux, command line usage, gitProficient in Portuguese or SpanishExperience visualizing and analyzing data logsKnowledge of aircraft systems and manualsIndependent and motivated, with an extremely strong work ethic; able to self-direct and manage timeExtreme attention to detail and thoroughnessExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPart 61 pilot certificate is a plusLocated in Solano or Contra Costa CountyWe 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 insuranceFSA with employer matching401(k)Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time offVoluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurancePre-tax commuter benefits