2027 Flight Test Engineer Intern
Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 32-40 / hour · Internship · Posted Oct 14, 2026
At a glance
- Employment
- Internship
- Location
- Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00)
- Salary
- USD 32-40 / hour
About the role
- The 2027 Flight Test Engineer Intern will join the Test and Evaluation team to support full system-level development, production acceptance, and qualification testing.
- The role involves hands-on participation in subsystem, simulation, ground, and flight testing across various defense products in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Participate in developmental testing in a fast-paced test environment.
- Contribute to planning and execution of T&E of hardware and software.
- Conduct subsystem, simulation, ground, and flight tests.
- Perform initial issue investigation and process improvement/development.
- Track the status of test issues and observations and work cross-functionally to establish priorities for issue resolution.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to analyze test results, identify performance trends, and recommend enhancements or corrective actions.
- Conduct subsystem, ground, and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
- Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
- Ensure the safe operation and rigorous evaluation of all test efforts.
Requirements
- Must be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- Must be returning to school at the end of the internship to continue academic studies for at least one quarter or semester.
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
- Ability to complete a 12-week in-person internship in one of our offices in summer 2027.
Preferred qualifications
- Prior experience with software code/script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
- Prior experience with Linux based systems and command line.
- Ability to troubleshoot/repair electronics.
- Working Knowledge with COTs Small UAS autopilot and mission planning software.
- Prior experience with Pixhawk flight controllers running Ardupilot and PX4 for air vehicles.
- Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiar with aviation terminology.
- Familiarity with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and working with composite materials.
- Experience with CAD modeling and PCB design.
Workplace
- In-person internship located in Costa Mesa, CA.
- Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution.
Skills
- Go
- Java
- C++
- Python
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Pixhawk
- Ardupilot
- PX4
- CAD
- PCB Design
