EngineeringHybrid

Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

Allen Control Systems · Hybrid

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Last seen by MeritLog September 9, 2026Source: AshbySource version: ashby-public-job-posting-v1

MeritLog read this listing from Allen Control Systems's Ashby job board and last checked it on September 9, 2026.

Source: the employer's Ashby job board. Open the original listing for current details.

Job details

Work model: Hybrid
Salary: $100K - $175K
Location: San Francisco, CA

Hiring context

How this role compares at Allen Control Systems

Allen Control Systems has 73 live roles in MeritLog’s catalog across 6 job families, and 46 of them are in engineering. 23 of those listings publish a pay range, a disclosure rate of 32%.

This role's posted range of $100K - $175K sits above 9% of the 22 other Allen Control Systems roles quoted over the same currency and period.

Allen Control Systems concentrates this hiring in:

Counted across the job boards MeritLog tracks, at the time this page was served. Pay comparisons use only listings that publish a complete range in the same currency and period.

What the role asks for

What you'd do

Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.
Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.
Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear).
Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.
Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.
Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.
Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.
Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.
Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.
Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

Parsed by MeritLog from the employer’s own posting. The full description follows below.

Job description

Company Overview ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments. Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems - giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community. Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security. ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit allencontrolsystems.com http://allencontrolsystems.com. About The Role We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a full-time role. The ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC). What You’ll Do - Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes. - Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight. - Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear). - Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles. What You’ll Need - Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned. - FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC. - Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations. You’ll Stand Out - Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development. - Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development. - Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC. - Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data. What We Offer - Competitive salary - ACS Equity Package - Health, Dental, Vision Insurance - Paid Time Off Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1

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