Intern Faa Pilot Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Flight Test Intern
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Grid.aero

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

Role Overview

As a Flight Test Intern, you will work directly with Grid's flight test team to develop and operate the tools, test assets, and processes that enable rapid, safe aircraft development. This is a highly hands-on role spanning subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation, test execution, and data analysis, with the opportunity to own meaningful projects that directly inform the design and flight-test readiness of Grid's full-scale aircraft. The role requires approximately 50% travel to Merced to support full-scale aircraft testing and to local subscale test locations.

What You'll Do

• Support the planning and execution of safe, disciplined ground and flight test operations.
• Design, build, integrate, and maintain flight-test tools and infrastructure, including subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation, and data-collection systems.
• Own defined work packages for the design, development, build, and testing of subscale aircraft used to support Proto 1 and autonomy development.
• Develop test plans, procedures, and test cards for subscale aircraft and supporting test systems.
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot test hardware and software in both shop and field environments.
• Collect, process, and analyze flight-test data to evaluate vehicle performance, identify issues, and communicate clear conclusions.
• Collaborate with flight test, autonomy, avionics, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to turn test findings into design improvements.
• Document test configurations, results, and lessons learned so work can be repeated and decisions remain traceable.

Key Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on builder experience: Demonstrated track record of building, assembling, or troubleshooting physical hardware (e.g., student engineering teams like DBF/SAE Aero, personal RC/FPV drone builds, robotics competitions, or shop experience).
• Experience using CAD software for mechanical design or layout.
• Basic working knowledge of aircraft flight mechanics, avionics, controls, or test processes.
• Proficiency with basic shop equipment, hand tools, and hardware integration practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong attention to detail and safety protocols.
• Travel & Location: Ability to work onsite in San Leandro and travel Merced, CA and local test sites as requested
• Legal Requirement: Must be a "U.S. Person" (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) due to U.S. export control regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ArduPilot, PX4, or other open-source flight control systems.
• Experience using Python or MATLAB for data parsing, visualization, or performance analysis.
• Experience with CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE.
• Hands-on fabrication skills: composite layup, 3D printing, basic machining, or custom wiring/soldering.
• FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) or HAM radio license

Compensation $20 - 30 / hour

Equal Opportunity Employer Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, orientation, or status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Employment Type: OTHER