As a Flight Operations Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will plan, execute, and oversee flight operations for our next-generation autonomous seaplanes. You'll lead both developmental and operational flight testing, acting as the remote pilot in command (RPIC) while coordinating test logistics, flight procedures, and safety operations. This role bridges engineering and flight, requiring a deep understanding of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the ability to translate technical objectives into safe, efficient, and repeatable flight operations.
Responsibilities
- Define and manage flight test plans, objectives, and procedures for aircraft development and validation
- Operate Poseidon aircraft as the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) during flight testing and operational demonstrations
- Lead flight readiness reviews, preflight briefings, and postflight debriefings with engineering and test teams
- Work closely with avionics, propulsion, and airframe engineers to ensure flight systems are configured, tested, and documented correctly
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency checklists, and flight manuals
- Analyze flight data and provide feedback to engineering teams for system tuning, safety improvements, and performance validation
- Ensure all operations comply with FAA regulations and internal safety management protocols
- Plan and coordinate ground operations, range logistics, and communications infrastructure for test campaigns
- Inform the long-term operational strategy, including autonomous and remote-pilot operational concepts
Ideal Qualifications
Experience operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in test or operational environmentsStrong understanding of flight test principles, safety management, and system validationKnowledge of airspace coordination, mission planning software, and regulatory requirements (Part 107, COA, or experimental certification)Familiarity with telemetry systems, flight data logging, and postflight analysisAbility to write and maintain detailed test documentation, SOPs, and operational guidelinesComfortable working in a hands-on test environment with evolving aircraft configurationsCollaborative mindset with strong communication skills across engineering and operations teamsAbility to balance disciplined flight operations with startup-level agility and decision-makingNice To Have
Experience as an RPIC for large or complex UAS platforms (Group 35, e.g., Reaper, Global Hawk, or similar)Background in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineeringExperience with flight test instrumentation and telemetry ground stationsKnowledge of remote pilot interface systems, autopilot tuning, and mission control workflowsExperience supporting or leading field test campaigns for new aircraft platformsManned or unmanned pilot experience beyond Part 107Familiarity with X-Plane or other simulation environmentsEven if you don't meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. At Poseidon Aerospace, we value diverse perspectives and are always looking for talented individuals with unconventional backgrounds.
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