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Burlingame, California, United States· Full-time
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● Strong current hiring demand for this role
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Pay vs market · Bottom quarter
This job's pay ($85,000 a year at the midpoint) is lower than over 90% of 283 salary-listed QA Engineer jobs in United States in the last 12 months; their median is $140,000.
Role overview
Job description
The Baby Airship team is seeking a dedicated GNC test engineer to contribute to our flight test operations of our sub-scale model. We are looking for a versatile engineer with experience in three critical domains—Mechanical, Software, or GNC—to integrate directly with our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and flight prototyping workflows. The test engineer will work with flight test plans, execute flight test preparations, and work with the rest of the team to analyze flight test data. The test engineer will also work on assisting the team to improve the fidelity of the Baby Airship as a sub-scale model of Pathfinder 1.
Responsibilities
Flight Test Operations: Prepare for, execute, and troubleshoot weekly flight test operations of our sub-scale airship model
HIL Simulation: Conduct and troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) lab testing to validate flight software and hardware integrations
Flight Data & Analytics: Analyze flight logs and test data to feed performance insights back into the GNC and sub-scale simulation models
Mechanical: Design and iteration of lightweight structural components for the Baby Airship
Software: Development of flight control logic, telemetry processing, or embedded systems (C++/Python)
GNC: Work alongside GNC engineers to author flight test plans and analyze vehicle dynamics
Qualifications
Experience: 3+ years in aerospace, robotics, or high-reliability hardware environments
Coding Skills: Proficiency in Python or C++ programming
Flight Software & Protocols: Hands-on experience with PX4 Flight Control Software and CAN communication protocols
Hardware Aptitude: Working knowledge of DC motors and ESC hardware
Design Tools: Familiarity with standard CAD software
Mindset: Proven ability to thrive in a rapid "build-test-fail-fix" iteration cycle with strong cross-functional communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience piloting drones/UAVs or working with flight testing operations
Hands-on experience troubleshooting low-level electrical hardware issues
Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink for system modeling
What We Offer!
Relocation assistance
Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
Parental leave
Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
401(k) matching up to 6%
Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
Monthly wellness stipend
Monthly cell phone stipend
Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Physical / Compliance Requirements
Criminal background check clearance
Drug test clearance wherever applicable
LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.
Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
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About this listing
- Source: LTA Research's official careers site · still listed there on 10 Nov 2026
- Posted 21 Aug 2026
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Role market pulse
How QA Engineer demand looks in United States
Live jobs
349
Posted 30d
329
30d movement
+1330.4%
Remote share
5.2%
Salary listed
86.5%
Salary trend 1Y
Not enough history
What they are looking for
Skills & requirements
Department · Engineering
Hiring company
LTA Research
LTA and its flight program for Pathfinder 1, a rigid proof-of-concept airship, are advancing more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable air travel and transport.
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