Job Details

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. At ESAero, we don't just build products—we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

**This position is fully on-site at Empirical System's Aerospace in San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Summary:

ESAero is seeking a self-motivated Test Engineer to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new designs, while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel. This Test Engineer will work on multiple platforms and vehicles.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Primary responsibility is to provide testing and integration support for company projects.
• Develop and maintain testing documentation to high quality standards.
• As a member of the “Integrated Product Team”, represent testing interests.
• Work with design engineers of all disciplines to develop engineering test strategies and specific test procedures for new and existing products.
• Work with assembly and engineering personnel to test prototype units and ensure that testing is properly carried out and documented.
• Work with field service personnel and engineers to create test procedures which address specific product issues seen in the field.
• Act as engineering interface to resolve production test issues.
• Help train personnel in proper testing techniques.
• Look for improvements throughout the testing process which will reduce cost or improve test coverage.
• Creating system requirements, trade studies, sub-component and test plans.
• Coordinating with suppliers, internal and external integrated product teams.
• Providing manufacturing, component test and occasionally in the field test support.
• Investigating and determining root cause and recommending corrective actions for component failures.
• May function in a project leadership role managing the system performance, budget and schedule.
• Assist project leadership role managing the system performance, budget, and schedule.
• Develop engineering drawings, schematics, and design specifications.
• Circuit protection including isolation, redundancy, and fault tolerance
• Create and perform test procedures.
• Perform error analysis.
• Work with assembly and engineering personnel to test prototype units and ensure that testing is properly carried out and documented.
• Investigating and determining root cause and recommending corrective actions for component failures.
• Present results of your work with technical drawings, written reports, and oral presentations to customer and senior project management.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 2-5 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience in a testing environment.
• Experience with power distribution systems theory, design, test, or analysis.
• Experience with electric motor and controller/inverter theory, design, test, or analysis.
• Able to work with high voltage (>500V).
• Proven understanding of structures, mechanisms, system layout, materials and processes.
• Experience with data collection and reduction software (LabView, MatLab, Dewesoft).
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA.
• Available to start ASAP.
• US Citizenship Required.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's degree in Aero, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience.
• Familiarity with electronics testing.
• Experience with digital communication protocols such as SPI, Ethernet, and CAN bus.
• Familiarity with Military standards relating to the design of high-power/voltage electrical system and electromagnetic compatibility for aircraft.
• Experience in UAS design.
• Experience with design for manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience working with machine shops, integrating prototype designs, and conducting validation tests.
• Fundamental understanding of other disciplines including stress, dynamics, thermal analysis, production, electronics, systems engineering, etc.
• Experience with Risk Management.
• Ability to work on DOD projects.
• Familiarity with Military standards relating to the mechanical design of aircraft.
• Experience with supplier management and procurement (such as SOWs, RFPs, and/or vendor management).

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO; 80 accrued hours plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer

E-Verify participation required for employment.

Must be able to pass background check

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States

Hiring Range: $80k-$120k annually