Senior Flight Test Engineer

LHH · Albuquerque, United States

LHH is supporting a high-growth aerospace organization in the search for a Senior Flight Test Engineer to own and lead complex test efforts for high-altitude flight platforms. This role requires technical authority, operational judgment, and leadership across planning, execution, and post-test evaluation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end test campaigns, defining objectives, success criteria, and execution strategy across ground and flight environments
• Serve as the primary technical authority during test operations, making real-time go/no-go decisions
• Lead cross-functional coordination between test, systems, avionics, mission operations, and safety teams
• Establish test priorities and sequencing to support vehicle maturity and mission readiness
• Evaluate system behavior across multiple subsystems and identify systemic risks or integration gaps
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective action plans with engineering stakeholders
• Present test outcomes, risks, and recommendations to leadership and program stakeholders
• Mentor junior engineers and set technical standards for test documentation and execution
• Improve test efficiency through tooling, automation, and process refinement

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• 5+ years of professional experience in aerospace ground test, flight test, or mission operations
• Demonstrated ownership of complex test events or campaigns
• Strong operational judgment in safety-critical environments
• Proven ability to lead technical discussions and influence design and operational decisions

Preferred

• Experience with high-altitude platforms, UAVs, or experimental aircraft programs
• Background in systems verification, requirements validation, or flight readiness processes
• Proficiency with advanced data analysis, scripting, or automation tools
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading small technical teams
• Base salary range: $150,000–$160,000, based on experience and level
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• On-site amenities and wellness-focused work environment
• Collaborative, high-performance culture working on cutting-edge aerospace systems

This role is ideal for engineers who want broad technical ownership and the ability to shape how advanced aerospace systems are tested and flown.