May 2027 New Graduate Engineer, Flight Test & Ops
Mach Industries· startup· Defense· Sep 10, 2026 · 2mo ago
Huntington Beach, California, United States
In office
Full-time
Mid
$117K–$160K est.
Job description
About Mach Industries
Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.
Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. The Role
Mach Industries is seeking a New Graduate Flight Test & Operations Engineer to support the testing and operation of next-generation autonomous defense platforms. This position spans our Flight Test and Flight Operations organizations, providing exposure to flight-test engineering, test planning, vehicle operations, field testing, and mission execution.
You will work closely with flight operations, systems, GNC, software, avionics, and energetics engineers to plan and safely execute test campaigns. This role is ideal for a hands-on, highly organized engineer who wants to work directly with aircraft, spend time in the field, and help take developing systems from initial ground tests through flight.
Key Responsibilities
Support the planning and execution of ground and flight-test operations for unmanned aircraft systems.
Develop test plans, procedures, concepts of operations, test cards, readiness-review materials, and post-test reports.
Coordinate test activities across flight operations, systems, GNC, avionics, software, energetics, and other engineering teams.
Support test campaigns through preparation, systems checks, dry runs, readiness reviews, day-of-test execution, and post-test analysis.
Assist with aircraft preparation, ground-control-station setup, test equipment, data systems, and range infrastructure.
Help identify test requirements, instrumentation needs, operational constraints, and success criteria.
Monitor vehicle and test-system performance during ground and flight operations.
Collect, organize, and analyze test data to communicate results and support engineering decisions.
Participate in root-cause investigations and help resolve issues identified during testing.
Support the coordination of flight demonstrations and operations at private and Department of Defense test ranges.
Contribute to test-site procedures, safety analyses, operating policies, and process improvements.
Help scale Mach’s flight-test and flight-operations capabilities as products and programs grow.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
Graduating by summer 2027.
Relevant experience gained through internships, research, academic projects, flight programs, or technical student organizations.
Foundational understanding of aircraft systems, flight mechanics, systems engineering, testing, or vehicle operations.
Experience developing technical documentation, analyzing engineering data, or executing structured test procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to remain organized and communicate clearly in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
Willingness to travel to test ranges as required.
Ability to work on-site in Huntington Beach, California.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with UAS, flight testing, aircraft operations, rocketry, robotics, or autonomous systems.
Participation in student organizations such as Design/Build/Fly, AIAA, rocketry, UAV, Formula SAE, or autonomous vehicle teams.
Experience developing test plans, test cards, procedures, safety documentation, or post-test reports.
Familiarity with ground-control-station software, including Mission Planner or similar platforms.
Experience with data acquisition, instrumentation, telemetry, or flight-data analysis.
Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or other engineering analysis tools.
Experience building, operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting aircraft or other complex hardware.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, private pilot certificate, or radio-controlled aircraft experience.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
Genuine enthusiasm for aviation, field testing, and hands-on vehicle operations.
Additional Requirements
Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .
Engineer $105,000 — $110,000 USD At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.
Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:
Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.
By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.
Data Privacy To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit machindustries.com .
Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Paid Time Off
Professional Development