Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

WORK LOCATION: Ann Arbor, MI

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $87,900 to $127,800 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

 SUMMARY

The Test Engineer (L2) owns complete testing operations and documentation for defined energy subsystems within the UAS platform. This role supports the creation and execution of all testing that aids the development processes including verification plans and cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure technical alignment throughout the product lifecycle. The engineer contributes meaningfully to design reviews, risk surfacing, integration planning, and technical problem-solving.

This position is ideal for an engineer who has foundational systems experience and is ready to take ownership of development validation and verification elements, lead smaller performance characterization workstreams, and collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and flight test teams to ensure system-level performance and reliability. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties:

• Own complete test operations spanning test plan creation, test setup design and fabrication, data analysis, and report generation for performance, verification and product acceptance test types.
• Operate and troubleshoot bench instrumentation and data acquisition systems as well as DUTs with an emphasis on IO and control algorithm performance, signal chain quality, and requirements conformance.
• Automate repetitive operations with open-source packages (such as Python) to improve test efficiency and safety while upholding rigorous quality standards.
• Collaborate with design engineers to proactively aid in the development and maintenance of comprehensive and controlled test plans, procedures & SOPs as well as test hardware (HILs) and software (SILs) – identifying early technical risks, emergent system-level issues and safety hazards.
• Ensure all testing produces traceable and auditable evidence of results to justify performance limits or product requirements.
• Provide technical direction and support to test technicians to enable effective team collaboration on test fabrication, execution, and equipment needs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in systems processes, documentation quality, and traceability.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• 2–4 years of experience in systems engineering or multidisciplinary engineering.
• Experience developing various test environments (bench set-ups, chambers, HILs, etc).
• Involvement contributing to structured engineering reviews or milestone deliverables.
• Hands-on exposure to requirements, architecture, test, or integration activities.
• Familiarity with verification planning, test procedures, and data evaluation.
• Understanding of mechanical interfaces, electrical systems, or software integration.
• Experience with scripting tools (Python) or modeling tools (MATLAB/Simulink) preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and component datasheets.
• Understanding of reliability engineering, FMEA, or similar structured analysis.
• Exposure to test automation or data visualization tools.

• Strong systems-thinking mindset with the ability to evaluate interfaces and dependencies.
• Effective communicator skilled at coordinating across multiple engineering groups.
• Excellent documentation discipline and version-control awareness.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify system-level impacts from component-level decisions.
• Ability to manage tasks independently and prioritize in a dynamic aerospace environment.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Coursework or certification in systems engineering, controls, avionics, or software systems.
• Track record of generating requirements and trade studies for new test equipment.
• Experience supporting integration builds, flight testing, or hardware/software bring-up.
• Participation in multidisciplinary engineering projects with defined requirements and reviews.
• Familiarity with power system architectures and mission workflows.
• Hand-on use of MIL-STD test procedures (particularly 704, 705, 810, and ideally 464 for EMI/EMC).
• Proven ability to design automated test systems from scratch using Python and/or LabVIEW, with strong focus on risk mitigation, efficiency, and test coverage.
• Experience troubleshooting and debugging embedded C control systems in a continuous integration environment.
• Mechanical design proficiency using SolidWorks.
• Ability to anticipate integration needs and coordinate proactively.
• Strong facilitation skills for aligning diverse engineering contributors.
• Interest in growing into subsystem ownership, risk management, or verification leadership roles.

 REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan

 CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.