Locum Aircraft Performance Engineer Jobs in Nevada

Work Setting: 100% onsite with a four-day, 10-hour workweek (Monday–Thursday)

Travel: Occasional travel to support flight testing and customer operations

Compensation: $92,057.95 – $117,781.40 base salary (actual annual earnings are expected to be significantly higher due to field deployment pay and overtime opportunities).

Benefits: Company-paid employee medical insurance, low-cost family coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits package

Position Summary

A rapidly growing aerospace and defense technology company is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

This is a highly technical, multidisciplinary engineering role responsible for designing prototype aircraft, supporting additive and composite manufacturing, overseeing flight test programs, and analyzing test data to improve aircraft performance. Rather than serving as a full-time pilot, this engineer will lead and oversee flight test activities while working closely with engineers, technicians, and test pilots throughout the product development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate combines a strong aerospace engineering background with hands-on aircraft design experience, advanced SolidWorks proficiency, and a passion for bringing innovative UAS concepts from design to flight.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop prototype unmanned aircraft and aerospace components using SolidWorks and other CAD/CAM tools

• Lead flight test planning, execution, and analysis for new UAS platforms and technologies

• Support additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and composite fabrication activities throughout product development

• Evaluate flight test data and apply engineering analysis to improve aircraft performance and reliability

• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and leadership to develop innovative aerospace solutions

• Support aircraft integration, modifications, and prototype development from concept through testing

• Research emerging aerospace technologies and recommend improvements for future aircraft designs

• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, engineering standards, and operational requirements throughout testing activities

What You Bring

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

• 5+ years of experience supporting aircraft or UAS design, development, and flight testing

• Expert-level proficiency with SolidWorks and experience designing complex aerospace components

• Experience with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and prototype fabrication

• Strong understanding of aircraft design principles, aerodynamics, and flight test methodologies

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects in a fast-paced development environment

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

• Experience operating or supporting unmanned aircraft systems

• Knowledge of fiberglass and carbon fiber composite fabrication

• Experience with FDM and DLP 3D printing technologies

• Familiarity with Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Pix4D Capture, UgCS, or similar UAS software

• Working knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, C#, or Swift

• Experience supporting patent development or innovative aerospace product design

Why This Opportunity

• Design and develop next-generation unmanned aircraft from concept through flight test

• Work in a highly collaborative environment where engineers have direct influence over product development

• Four-day workweek (Monday–Thursday) with excellent work-life balance

• Broad technical exposure across aircraft design, manufacturing, flight testing, and systems integration

• Opportunity to work with advanced aerospace technologies in a fast-moving R&D environment

• Strong benefits package with long-term career growth and technical leadership opportunities

• Join a team where innovation, creativity, and hands-on engineering are at the center of every project