Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) · 1 month ago
Staff Test Engineer / Test Team Lead
San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$140K/yr - $175K/yr
10+ years expEmpirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is a leader in aerospace engineering and product development, and they are seeking an experienced Staff Test Engineer/Test Team Lead. This role entails overseeing test operations, leading a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
AerospaceManufacturing
No H1B
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
Qualification
Required
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
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 electromagnetic compatibility for aircraft
Experience in UAS design
Experience with design and testing for moderate rate manufacturing
Hands-on experience working with machine shops, integrating prototype designs, and conducting validation tests
Experience with Risk Management
Familiarity with Military standards relating to the mechanical design of aircraft
Experience with supplier management and procurement (such as SOWs, RFPs, and/or vendor management)
Technical Lead Experience
Benefits
Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!
Company
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero)
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Andrew R. Gibson
President & CEO
Recent News
Clean Technica
2025-10-18
2025-07-31
Company data provided by crunchbase