Full-Time

Test Engineering Manager

Posted on 7/15/2025

LTA Research

LTA Research

51-200 employees

Manufactures sustainable airships for humanitarian aid

Compensation Overview

$130k - $200k/yr

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

In Person

Relocation assistance available.

Category
Engineering Management (1)
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering plus 4+ years of experience in the aerospace/aviation industry as a materials engineer, test engineer, mechanical engineer, systems engineer
  • Strong leadership skills with proven mentorship ability, team development, and project/program execution
  • Proven experience with material selection, material property qualification, characterization, or acceptance testing for aerospace/aviation materials/structures
  • Experience with industry standard test methods, such as ASTM, FAA, SACMA, SAE, DO-160, ISO, or similar
  • Experience with failure modes of engineering materials and parts, such as composites, valves, actuators, and gears. Experience with aviation environmental conditions and requirements, such as flammability, UV, humidity, corrosion, damage tolerance, and fatigue
  • Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test machines
  • Ability to understand, organize, and interpret test data and provide recommendations based on data
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including written technical reports and oral presentations to technical and managerial audiences
  • Physical Requirement: Ability to lift 30 pounds.
Responsibilities
  • Manage a team of materials engineers, test engineers, and test technicians who select, test, and qualify parts, assemblies, materials and processes.
  • Work with Design Engineers to identify failure modes and create validation and qualification tests for materials, systems, and assemblies. Review test plans for intent and completeness.
  • Write test plans and specifications.
  • Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor.
  • Identify and lead new test capability developments.
  • Provide strategic input on new capabilities, skills, and equipment to align with future test needs
  • Oversee and prioritize engineer’s assignments.
  • Assign test technicians to support test programs
  • Lead hiring and training new team members
  • Manage performance of the team through regular performance reviews.
  • Provide or facilitate mentoring, coaching, and professional development of team members.
Desired Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience with FAA certification requirements, industry material qualification databases, or generating allowables from mechanical test data
  • Advanced degree in a related field
  • 1+ years manager experience in an aerospace, engineering, or manufacturing setting
  • Experience using Statistical Process Control and Root Cause to drive continuous improvement and solve problems
  • Experience working in an AS9100, NADCAP, or ISO certified test laboratory
  • Ability to program test equipment using LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar.
  • Ability to analyze data and perform statistical methods using software such as Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, Tableau, or similar

LTA Research focuses on building next-generation airships to support humanitarian efforts and reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. It designs and manufactures airships such as Pathfinder 1, aiming to provide efficient, environmentally friendly transport for disaster relief, cargo, and surveillance. The airships operate via lighter-than-air technology powered by advanced engineering, enabling longer endurance and lower fuel use than traditional aircraft. The company differentiates itself through its historical Akron Airdock heritage, multi-location operations, and emphasis on sustainable aviation for humanitarian, government, and commercial clients. The goal is to offer viable, low-emission air transport solutions that complement existing airlift capabilities and make shipping and response operations more carbon-efficient.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Mountain View, California

Founded

1929

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Pathfinder 1 achieved untethered flight October 24, 2024, and flew Golden Gate Bridge October 28, 2025.
  • Brett Crozier appointed CEO to lead Pathfinder 3 development, 33% larger than Pathfinder 1.
  • FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate enables expanded testing at Moffett Field since 2023.

What critics are saying

  • FAA certification for commercial operations delays market entry 18-36 months.
  • No commercial orders exist, risking capital exhaustion before revenue in 18-36 months.
  • Sergey Brin funding withdrawal halts development and credibility in 12-36 months.

What makes LTA Research unique

  • Pathfinder 1 is world's largest aircraft at 121.9m, first rigid airship since 1939.
  • Designed with Luftschiffbau Zeppelin, features fly-by-wire and diesel-electric hybrid propulsion.
  • Built in historic Akron Airdock using advanced Tedlar skin and titanium nose cone.

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Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Parental Leave

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Monthly wellness stipend

Monthly cell phone stipend

Yearly education stipend

Mental Health Support

Company Social Events

Company News

LTA Research
Oct 29th, 2024
LTA Research announces new CEO

LTA Research is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Crozier as its new chief executive officer.

The Sun
Nov 27th, 2023
World's biggest aircraft unveiled with 400ft airship twice size of a Boeing 747 - and there are plans for a BIGGER one

The Pathfinder 1 has been in development since 2016, and LTA Research says it is currently working to develop an even larger aircraft named the Pathfinder 3.

INACTIVE