Senior Test Engineer

LTA Research

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Sunnyvale, California on site Until 8/23/2026 4+ years exp First posted June 17, 2026 Last posted June 17, 2026

Job description

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.

Compensation (from employer):
130000–150000 USD per year

About this role

Summary

Conducts tests, develops procedures, and analyzes aerospace materials and systems.

Job title

Senior Test Engineer

Experience level

4+ years

Minimum experience

4+ years exp

Industry

aerospace

Location requirements

Sunnyvale California, on-site preferred, remote considered

Salary

$130k–$150k

Management role

Skills & keywords

Required skills

engineeringtest methodsdata analysisDAQ systemsindustry standards

Preferred skills

FAA certificationproject managementPythonMATLABDigital Image Correlation

Specializations

materials testingaerospaceDAQ systemsISO standardsstructural testing

Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

On-site City

California, USA

Remote State