About the role#
As a Flight Test Intern, you will work directly with the flight test team to develop and operate the tools, test assets, and processes that enable rapid, safe aircraft development. This is a hands-on role spanning subscale aircraft, autonomy test beds, instrumentation, and data analysis. You will own projects that inform the design and flight-test readiness of full-scale aircraft.
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, and data-collection systems.
- Develop test plans, procedures, and test cards for subscale aircraft and supporting test systems.
- Configure, operate, and troubleshoot test hardware and software in shop and field environments.
- Collect, process, and analyze flight-test data to evaluate vehicle performance and identify issues.
- Collaborate with flight test, autonomy, avionics, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to turn test findings into design improvements.
- Document test configurations, results, and lessons learned to ensure work remains traceable.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrated track record of building, assembling, or troubleshooting physical hardware.
- 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.
- Must be a U.S. person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) due to U.S. export control regulations.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship located in San Leandro, California.
- The role requires working on-site four days per week.
- You must be able to travel to Merced, California, and local test sites as required (approximately 50% travel).
How to get in at Grid Aero
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