Principal Flight Test Engineer

Principal Flight Test Engineer ABOUT MACH INDUSTRIES Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. THE ROLE Mach Industries is seeking a Principal Flight Test Engineer to serve as a senior technical authority and mentor within the Flight Test organization. This role is responsible not only for the execution and strategy of autonomous flight testing, but also for developing the next generation of flight test engineers through direct mentorship, technical leadership, and establishment of disciplined test practices. You will report directly to the Head of Flight Operations and work closely with Systems Engineering, GNC, Autonomy, Software, Structures, Propulsion, and Safety leadership. You will define how Mach conducts flight testing—establishing standards, processes, and infrastructure consistent with industry best practices from leading autonomous aerospace and defense organizations. You will own the end-to-end validation and verification strategy across ground and flight test phases, spanning component-level, subassembly, and fully integrated vehicle testing. This includes defining test approaches consistent with recognized aerospace standards (ARP4754, DO-160G, MIL-STD-810) while adapting them pragmatically to the nature of autonomous, attritable defense systems required to complete the mission CONOP. As a principal FTE, you will guide how Mach evaluates flying qualities, handling characteristics, and autonomy-in-the-loop behavior, leveraging established frameworks such as MIL-STD-1797 and FAA certification basis, while developing novel test techniques appropriate for non-traditional configurations and autonomous vehicles. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Leadership & Mentorship - Serve as Principal Technical Authority for flight and ground test engineering across autonomous aircraft programs. - Mentor and technically guide junior flight test engineers, including: - Teaching test planning methodology and execution discipline - Reviewing test plans, procedures, and reports - Coaching real-time decision-making during test execution - Establish internal best practices, templates, and training material for flight test engineering at Mach. Autonomous Aircraft Test Development - Own and execute test strategies for autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft, spanning multiple vehicle classes and propulsion types, including: - High-Altitude Balloons (HABs) and lighter-than-air systems - Fixed-wing aircraft (glider and turbine powered) - Rotary-wing aircraft, including multirotor and compound configurations - Turbine-powered and/or solid rocket motor propelled cruise missiles and interceptors - Lead autonomy mode progression, incremental enablement, and regression testing across vehicle types. - Partner with GNC and Autonomy teams to define measurable performance metrics, safety monitors, and success criteria. - Ensure autonomy behavior is evaluated using structured, repeatable, and defensible test techniques. Flying Qualities & Handling Qualities Evaluation - Lead flying qualities and handling qualities evaluations appropriate to the vehicle class and mission, using: Using what? - Develop novel and non-traditional flying qualities test technique - Define and execute envelope expansion plans, control law evaluations, and handling qualities assessments. Flight Test ... (truncated, view full listing at source)