Senior Flight Test Engineer
Helsing, a defense AI company, is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead military flight test programs from initial concept through execution and reporting. This role serves as the critical link between advanced AI-enabled systems and live military aircraft, ensuring mission systems, sensors, and weapon integrations perform as intended in demanding operational environments. The position is based in Munich, Germany, and offers opportunities for hybrid work arrangements.
In this role, you will take overarching responsibility for flight test programs, including planning, risk assessment, safety case development, and formal reporting. You will design and conduct rigorous military ground and flight test campaigns, including large-scale programs on international military ranges involving live weapon firings. Additionally, you will author and validate comprehensive ground procedures and flight test cards for advanced military systems, spanning weapons, electro-optical and radar sensors, and mission systems. Collaboration with engineering teams, test pilots, and the Lead Flight Test Engineer (L-FTE) throughout flight test operations is essential, and where qualified, you may act as L-FTE in the air to provide firsthand airborne insight into program decisions.
The ideal candidate will have a career in flight testing of fast-jet or advanced military aircraft, with substantial hands-on program experience across the full test lifecycle. Deep expertise in complex military systems, including weapon integration, mission systems, military sensors (Radar, EO/IR, EW), tactical data links, and air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon systems is required. Experience in planning, leading, and delivering complex, multi-stakeholder flight test campaigns, including those conducted in international or live-fire environments, is essential. A rigorous approach to flight safety, combined with the ability to meet tight delivery timelines, is crucial. Clear and precise communication with engineering teams, flight crews, and senior military stakeholders is necessary.
Helsing offers a competitive salary and VSOP options. Relocation support is available, including up to €2,500 and four weeks of temporary accommodation. A yearly learning allowance of €500/£450 is provided, along with health and wellness benefits such as gym membership and mental health support. The company hosts regular events and offers monthly social allowances. Enhanced parental leave is available, with 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers and six weeks for secondary caregivers. Family support includes five days of paid family emergency leave, a 100% remote work option during pregnancy, and a phased return to work.
Helsing is committed to protecting democracies through technological leadership in defense AI. The company fosters an open and transparent culture that encourages healthy debates on the use of technology in defense, its benefits, and ethical implications. Joining Helsing provides an opportunity to work on high-stakes defense technology within a mission-driven, ethical environment.