Senior Test Engineer

LTA Research· Sunnyvale, California· lever· publicada el 17/06/2026
Imprescindible:PythonLead
Valorable:QA/Test

Responsibilities Select, test, and qualify systems, parts, assemblies, materials, and processes.

Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create verification/validation and qualification tests for materials, systems, and assemblies.

Write and review test plans, test reports, and specifications for intent and completeness.

Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor.

Identify and lead new test capability developments, including new testing methods and DAQ systems.

Develop procedures for test technicians to execute, supporting test programs.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 4+ years of experience in the aerospace/aviation industry as a materials engineer, test engineer, mechanical engineer, systems engineer.

Proven experience with sensor, part, or material selection, qualification, characterization, or acceptance testing for aerospace/aviation materials/structures/systems.

Experience with industry standard test methods, such as ASTM, FAA, SACMA, SAE, DO-160, ISO, or similar.

Experience with failure modes of engineering materials and parts, such as composites, valves, actuators, and gears.

Experience with aviation environmental conditions and requirements, such as flammability, UV, humidity, corrosion, damage tolerance, and fatigue.

Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test machines, sensors, and DAQ systems.

Ability to understand, organize, and interpret test data and provide recommendations based on data.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations to technical and managerial audiences.

Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of experience with FAA certification requirements, developing or qualifying flight systems

1+ year(s) experience in managing projects in an aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing setting

Advanced degree in a related field

Experience using Statistical Process Control and Root Cause to drive continuous improvement and solve problems

Experience working in an AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO certified test laboratory

Ability to program test equipment using LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar.

Ability to analyze data and perform statistical methods using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, Tableau, or similar

Experience with structural testing, strain gauge measurements, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC)

What We Offer! Relocation assistance

Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)

Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances

Parental leave

Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays

401(k) matching up to 6%

Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly cell phone stipend

Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field

Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride

An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields

Physical / Compliance Requirements Criminal background check clearance

Drug test clearance wherever applicable

Ability to lift 30 pounds.

LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.