About the role
About Mach Industries
Established in 2022, Mach Industries is a dynamic and innovative defense technology firm dedicated to pioneering next-generation autonomous defense systems. Our mission is to provide scalable, decentralized defense solutions that bolster the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a dedicated team of approximately 220 employees, we embody the agility and ambition of a startup.
Our vision is to transform the future of warfare through advanced manufacturing, rapid innovation, and an unwavering commitment to national security. We are focused on addressing the challenges of modern warfare with effective systems that deter kinetic conflict and safeguard global peace.
The Role
We are currently looking for a Principal Flight Test Engineer to act as a senior technical authority and mentor within our Flight Test organization. This pivotal role involves not only overseeing the execution and strategy of autonomous flight testing but also nurturing the next generation of flight test engineers through hands-on mentorship, technical leadership, and the establishment of rigorous testing practices.
You will report directly to the Head of Flight Operations and collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, GNC, Autonomy, Software, Structures, Propulsion, and Safety teams. Your primary responsibility will be to define and implement Mach's flight testing protocols, creating standards, processes, and infrastructures that align with industry best practices from leading autonomous aerospace and defense organizations.
You will be tasked with owning the comprehensive validation and verification strategy throughout both ground and flight test phases, covering component, subassembly, and fully integrated vehicle testing. This includes formulating test approaches that adhere to recognized aerospace standards (ARP4754, DO-160G, MIL-STD-810) while pragmatically adapting them to suit the unique requirements of autonomous, attritable defense systems necessary for fulfilling mission concepts of operations (CONOP).
As the Principal Flight Test Engineer, you will direct how Mach assesses flying qualities, handling characteristics, and autonomy-in-the-loop behaviors, utilizing established frameworks like MIL-STD-1797 and FAA certification basis, while also innovating test techniques suitable for non-traditional configurations and autonomous vehicles.
