Project Engineer, Systems Test

Swift Engineering is looking for a Project Engineer, Systems located in San Clemente, CA. As part of this team, you will have a large impact on Swift’s next generation of Unmanned Aerial Systems. You will develop system test plans and procedures for software and/or hardware verification and validation of system requirements and execute simulator and flight tests. You will develop test cards that meet flight test objectives, analyze test results, and lead test readiness reviews and post-test debriefs. In this role, you will engage in frequent multi-disciplinary collaboration and work side by side with team members with the overall system design, integration, verification, and validation to ensure the highest quality production products for our customers.  

The Project Engineer, Systems is an integral part of the flight vehicle and requires deep care and attention to detail in order to fulfill our mission.  

Candidates must have a positive “can-do” attitude, and a desire to continually improve and learn. The preferred candidate will not sweat the small stuff, have a strong sense of ownership, and a curiosity to understand how things work, even if they take you outside your area of expertise.  

Salary Range: $90,000 to $110,000 annually

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited institution. 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus. 

• Leadership: Experience coaching and mentoring a team to prepare for test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness. 

• Aviation Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in flight testing, flight test planning, or aviation systems development. 

• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, or aircraft systems integration is strongly preferred. 

• Flight Test Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of flight test principles, including test planning, execution, and data analysis. 

• Familiarity with test card development, safety risk assessments, and test methodology. 
• Experience in a range of flight test environments, such as performance, avionics, or systems testing. 
• Technical Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly understand new technical concepts and apply them effectively. 
• Ability to assess and mitigate technical risks during flight testing. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Capable of clearly documenting test plans, procedures, and results. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams, including engineering, program management, and operations. 
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and National Airspace procedures, particularly as they relate to manned and unmanned aircraft operations. 
• Project Management: Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for complex test activities. 
• Strong organizational skills to manage work phases, timelines, and deliverables. 
• Work Environment Flexibility: 
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required. 
• Ability to travel for test planning, execution, and customer engagements. 
• Good written communication to write briefs, test reports, and formalize test forms/ processes 
  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux-based operating systems. Experience with GitHub, CircleCI, ssh, bash, and command line. 

• Experience working DoD programs. 

• Familiarity with remote operations and ground control stations. 

• Prior experience with military or civilian flight test operations. 

• Direct experience working with UAS platforms or autonomous systems. 

• Test Pilot School experience or equivalent training is highly desirable. 

• Regulatory Knowledge; FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent regulatory certification for UAS operations 
  

Certifications 

• Test Pilot School experience or equivalent training is highly desirable. 
  

Working Conditions:  

Primarily in an office and shop environment. Periodic weekend or evening work is expected. Occasional travel is expected.  

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.  

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.  

Swift Engineering is an EOE.  

• 9/80 Schedule
• Health Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
• Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
• Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees
• Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• 401k with company match
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans.
• 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition.
• Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.