Qualification Test Engineer - Drone Application

Position Summary

At FlightWave, we build high-performance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for defense, public safety, and other mission-critical applications. We’re looking for a Qualification Test Engineer to participate in the development and execution of reliability test plans across our drone platforms — ensuring our systems perform with precision and reliability in the harshest operational environments.

You’ll work hands-on and collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to plan and run environmental, mechanical, and lifecycle tests. You’ll apply a systems-level view to validation, spanning electro-mechanical, structural, aerodynamic, and electro-optical interfaces.

Location Note: This role is onsite position in Torrance California.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute system and component-level reliability and design verification test strategies for rugged, airborne electromechanical systems.
• Experience with UAS systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, etc.
• Design and carry out environmental and mechanical stress tests including vibration, shock, thermal cycling, moisture/ingress, and fatigue testing.
• Design and carry out Electromatic Interference (EMI/EMC) Conducted and Radiated Emissions testing.
• Create custom test fixtures,
• Familiar with automation, and data acquisition systems as needed to enable robust, repeatable validation test programs.
• Contribute to and review risk management deliverables (e.g., DFMEA/PFMEA) and propose test strategies that address top failure modes.
• Support root cause investigations and drive corrective actions through structured test and analysis methods.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in reliability, product validation, or mechanical test engineering programs
• Experience working with Microprocessor Controllers for High Temperature, Low Temperature and Humidity Chambers
• Experience working with Vibration Systems and Controllers for High Temperature, Low Temperature and Humidity Chambers
• Hands-on experience designing and building custom test setups, data acquisition systems (EMC/EMI measurement, etc)
• Hands-on experience developing and executing qualification test plans for complex electromechanical systems.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with industry-specific environmental test standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD 461 and RTCA-DO-160, etc) and associated test methods.
• Familiarity with FCC Part 15
• Familiarity with Packaging Standard ISTA 3A and ASTMD4169
• Experience with lightweight aerostructures, vibrations, fatigue analysis, etc.
• SolidWorks, CAD, or other digital design package experience
• Experience with UAS systems, robotics, autonomous vehicles, etc.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move between lab, office, and manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for handling tools, components, and test equipment.
• Visual and hearing ability to safely conduct and monitor test procedures.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Comfortable working in environments that may involve vibration, noise, temperature variations, or other test-related conditions.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $110k – $137k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.