Flight Performance Engineer

Neros Technologies
Torrance, CA

Who this role is best for

Flight performance engineers with hands-on multirotor experience and data-driven problem-solving skills will find this fast-paced, cross-functional role in the defense drone industry rewarding.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 2+ years in multirotor UAV engineering and strong root cause analysis skills
    — “2+ years of experience in a multirotor UAV Engineering role”
  • Individuals who thrive in startup environments and can balance technical depth with cross-functional collaboration
    — “This is a fast-paced, hands-on role at a rapidly growing startup”
  • Engineers who value rapid iteration and are comfortable with field testing and data-driven tuning
    — “from hands-on prototyping and structured field testing through data-driven tuning”

Things to consider

  • The role demands active participation in flight testing and tuning, which may not be ideal for remote-only candidates
    — “hands-on prototyping and structured field testing”
  • Candidates must be prepared to work closely with firmware, mechanical, and production teams on a regular basis
    — “work cross-functionally with firmware, mechanical, and production teams”

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific instances of root cause analysis and flight anomaly resolution in your resume
    — “Proven track record of root cause analysis on quadcopter flight anomalies”
  • Emphasize your ability to lead R&D projects and improve product performance metrics
    — “Lead R&D efforts to evaluate design changes and improve product performance”
  • Showcase your experience with flight control software like betaflight or px4 in your application materials
    — “Familiarity with flight control software like betaflight, px4, ardupilot, Kiss”
  • Demonstrate your hands-on mechanical skills by detailing drone assembly or modification work
    — “Hands on experience assembling, repairing, or modifying multi-rotor drones”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • improved flight performance metrics
  • reduced failure modes
  • validated flight configurations
Typical background
mechanical engineering degree2+ years of UAV engineering experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Multirotor UAV EngineeringFlight DynamicsRoot Cause AnalysisFlight Control SoftwareHands-on Drone AssemblyFlight Performance Tuning

Preferred

Data Analysis ToolsESC Firmware ConfigurationCAD SoftwareMass Production ExperiencePart 107 Certificate

Stack & domain

Mechanical EngineeringMultirotor UAV EngineeringRoot Cause AnalysisBlackbox/dvr/thermal DataFlight Control Software (betaflight, Px4, Ardupilot, Kiss)ExcelPythonMatlabESC Firmware And Configuration (bluejay, Blheli_s, Blheli_32)CAD Software (solidworks, NX)Documentation And Communication SkillsAbility To Fly And Tune FPV DronesDefense TechnologyDrone Industrial BaseUnmanned SystemsFlight DynamicsTuning MethodologyTest Results

About the role

Original posting from Neros Technologies via Greenhouse

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

As a Flight Performance Engineer at Neros, you will own the flight dynamics of our UAVs, from hands-on prototyping and structured field testing through data-driven tuning, qualification, and release of flight configurations. You’ll lead root cause analysis using blackbox/DVR/thermal data and work cross-functionally with firmware, mechanical, and production teams to eliminate failure modes and improve performance metrics at scale. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role at a rapidly growing startup, ideal for engineers who take pride in producing stable, repeatable, and exceptional flight performance.

Responsibilities

Own the flight performance (stability, response, reliability) of multirotor UAS from prototype through production

Design and execute structured test protocols to evaluate flight performance, identify failure modes, and validate configuration changes

Develop and maintain internal documentation on flight dynamics, tuning methodology, and test results

Represent flight performance interests in cross-functional reviews with mechanical, electrical, firmware, production, and NPI teams

Serve as a subject matter expert on flight dynamics, delivering structured knowledge transfers of advanced multirotor mechanics to peers

Lead R&D efforts to evaluate design changes and improve product performance

You should have the following

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a engineering field

2+ years of experience in a multirotor UAV Engineering role

Proven track record of root cause analysis on quadcopter flight anomalies using blackbox, DVR, or telemetry data

Deep technical understanding of multirotor mechanics and the interplay between the mechanical and control systems

Hands on experience assembling, repairing, or modifying multi-rotor drones

Strong documentation and communication skills

Ability to fly and tune FPV drones

Familiarity with flight control software like betaflight, px4, ardupilot, Kiss

Nice to have

Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB.

Familiarity with ESC firmware and configuration such as Bluejay, BLHeli_S, or BLHeli_32

Experience with a CAD software such as Solidworks or NX

Background working in mass production environments where cost, supply chain, and scalability are key considerations

Active part 107 certificate

US Salary Range

$97,500 – $136,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Source: Neros Technologies careers (Greenhouse)

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