Staff Test Engineer / Test Team Lead

Staff Test Engineer/Test Team Lead 

Job Summary:  

ESAero is seeking an experienced Staff Test Engineer/Test Team Lead to oversee and execute all aspects of our test operations. This critical role is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary test team, coordinating test planning and execution, and ensuring all activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulations and program goals. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, leadership experience, and a background in military or military contract testing.   

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead the test team in planning, coordinating, and executing test campaigns from initial test planning through post-test analysis and reporting.  

• Resource manager for a small team of test engineers. Tasks include timecard approvals, PTO requests, team loading, and gather concerns and improvements ideas. 

• Propose, develop, and maintain processes, procedures, and tooling that improve quality, efficiency, and cleanliness in regard to testing, test development, or test equipment. 

• Safety review for hazardous testing.  

• Develop and manage detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules to meet program objectives.  

• Ensure all tests comply with applicable safety regulations, company policies, and government standards (e.g., OSHA, DoD).  

• Coordinate with engineering, facilities, maintenance, program management, and other stakeholders to ensure test readiness and resource availability.  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for test activities, internally and externally.  

• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to maintain test program integrity and safety.  

• Review and approve test documentation, including test cards, data collection plans, and safety assessments.  

• Analyze test data in collaboration with engineers and provide feedback to improve article performance.  

• Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during testing.  

• Develop expert-level knowledge of the component, systems, and aircraft under test.  

• Develop test equipment manuals and support documentation necessary for safe testing in accordance with established operating procedures.  

• Support training and mentoring of junior test personnel.  

• Continuously assess and improve the test team’s capabilities, processes, and tools to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency.  

• Other duties as assigned or required.  

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.  

• 10+ years of experience in test operations, with a demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex flight test campaigns.  

• 2+ years in a management role. 

• Experience in process improvement 

• Excellent understanding of test planning, execution, and data analysis.  

• Proven experience with test safety protocols and government regulations applicable to testing.  

• Familiarity with electronics testing.  

• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, power electronics, systems engineering, etc.  

• Experience with data collection and reduction software (LabView, MatLab, or similar) 

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.  

• Proven leadership capabilities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.  

• Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA 

• Ability to work on DoD projects.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Master’s degree in Aerospace or Electrical or equivalent. 

• 5+ years in a management role. 

• Experience with power distribution systems theory, design, test, or analysis. 

• Experience with electric motor and controller/inverter theory, design, test, or analysis. 

• Experience in engineering testing safety methods and standards. 

• Able to work with high voltage (>500V)  

• Experience with digital communication protocols such as SPI, Ethernet, and CAN bus.  

• Familiarity with Military standards relating to the design of high-power/voltage electrical system and electromagnet