Deployed Flight Test Engineer
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for a deployed flight test engineer to support the development and commercial deployments of its advanced autonomous aircraft. You will set up the first missions of our planes in different locations abroad, and train and support our customers as they operate the aircraft. This is your opportunity to test, evaluate and deploy the aircraft of the future.
After a two month initial training in Dixon or Victoria Island, CA, you will spend most of your time (~50%) deployed at customer sites for periods of 3 to 5 weeks.
A typical deployment cycle in this role is:
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Recurrent training and preparation at Pyka test facilities in Dixon or Victoria Island, CA - 1 week
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Deployment abroad - 3 weeks
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Vacation / time off - 3 weeks
This is a multidisciplinary role that interacts with internal and external organizations, so written and verbal communication skills are critical. You will be instrumental in ensuring the standardization of aircraft ground and flight operations and procedures, instructional techniques, as well as informing the evolution of the product itself.
An engineering degree is not required, although the candidate must be technically knowledgeable, preferably with experience with flight operations with either manned aircraft or UAVs.
Associate Electrical Engineer
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for an Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this role, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of critical electrical subsystems for our autonomous electric aircraft. You will work under the mentorship of senior engineers, applying your foundational knowledge to real-world challenges while gaining deeper expertise in power electronics, embedded systems, and flight hardware.
\n- Contribute to the full PCBA design cycle (schematic capture, component selection, PCB layout) under the mentorship of senior engineers.
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Assemble, bring up, and perform functional verification of PCBs in the lab.
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Conduct bench testing, collect and analyze data, and support troubleshooting of electrical and embedded system issues.
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Assist in the development of hardware for power systems, avionics, and sensors.
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Create and maintain engineering documentation, including test procedures, design notes, and board bring-up reports.
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Work closely with the Production team to bring designs from prototype design to our customers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Mechanical, Software, and Flight Test) during system integration and field testing.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
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0–2 years of professional experience (relevant internship or co-op experience strongly preferred).
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Strong foundational understanding of electronics lab equipment (oscilloscope, power supply, multimeter).
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Hands-on experience with PCB layout and schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad, Eagle).
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Familiarity with Linux, embedded systems and C/C++ programming.
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Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, inquisitive attitude.
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Hands-on experience from student design teams (Formula SAE, robotics, drones, solar car, etc.).
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Familiarity with motor control concepts (FOC, PWM, inverters) or power electronics.
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Exposure to safety-critical design principles or failure analysis (DFMEA).
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Eagerness to learn and take ownership of small-to-medium-sized design tasks.
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We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.
- $83,000–$105,000 per year base salary + equity. Compensation will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.
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Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
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FSA with employer matching
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401(k)
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Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
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Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
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Pre-tax commuter benefits
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Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.
Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
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We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.
Associate Mechanical Design Engineer (Pelican)
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Our Mechanical Engineering team members work closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Flight Test Engineers, and other Mechanical Engineers to design, test, and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies. This role is fast-paced and highly impactful—the Pyka MDE team handles the same amount of hardware as teams 10x the size. You’ll have the opportunity to move quickly, significantly contribute to flight hardware, and accelerate your professional development and career growth.
- Iterative Design: Improve the design of existing components for better manufacturability, usability, and durability under the guidance of senior engineers.
- Testing & Validation: Support the thorough environmental and structural validation of aircraft parts, materials, and assemblies.
- Root-Cause Analysis: Assist in the investigation, root-causing, and solution testing for hardware bugs that arise during field testing.
- Fleet Support: Actively participate in supporting our existing fleet of aircraft while learning the ropes for next-generation development.
Propulsion Mechanical Engineer (Combustion) - Dropship
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
This role is for an engineer who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. You’ll be expected to move quickly, perform your own analysis, and spend as much time in the prototyping shop as you do in CAD.
Some of your first projects will include:
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Engine Integration: Packaging and mounting engine subsystems (cooling, fueling, and exhaust) into the airframe while managing vibration and thermal loads.
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Performance Validation: Designing and running test stands to quantify engine performance (boost, EGT, power output) and iterating on designs based on real-world data.
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Reliability Improvements: Redesigning existing engine-related components to improve durability and ease of maintenance in the field.
Electrical Engineer (Multiple Levels)
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for an Electrical Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will be responsible for system level and component level design and testing across a wide range of subsystems.
Below is a list of current hardware projects that you will contribute to. Your roles and responsibilities will vary significantly from one week to the next.
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Dual-computer flight computer with multiply redundant power distribution system for actuators and avionics
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High power density motor controller (30kW ~ 100kW)
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BMS/Contact controller for redundant battery system
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Air data board
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Electronics for spray systems
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Various PCBs to streamline testing of the above hardware
Candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments working with a small team will love this role.
- Develop complex electrical subsystems involving FPGA, microprocessors, power, analog, and sensor integrations
- Complete the entire PCBA design cycle including architecture selection, component selection, schematic design, PCB layout, and working with manufacturers
- Test and validate subsystems to meet performance and reliability requirements
- Work with cross-functional teams (Mechanical Engineering, Software, and Flight Testing) on aircraft integration and system level testing
- Write design and testing documents
- We understand that candidates bring different strengths and experiences, and you don’t need to meet every qualification to be considered. If this role excites you, we’d love to learn more about you. You may be a great fit even if your background doesn’t align perfectly with the list.
- Hands-on experience designing and testing microprocessor based circuitry and interfaces to various peripherals; experience with (low to medium speed) FPGA is a plus
- Experience designing power electronics systems such as DC-DC converters, BMSs, and motor controllers
- Experience designing safety critical systems, considering system redundancy as well as failure mode and effects analysis
- Familiarity with general schematic design and PCB layout tools such as Altium, OrCAD, Allegro, Eagle, KiCad, etc.
- Willingness to travel internationally for up to 10% of the time
- An inquisitive attitude with an ability to quickly and deftly research new topics and develop mastery of new subjects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate is not afraid to ask for clarification or give feedback
- The base compensation for this role is $108,000-$192,000 and will vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Salary ranges are subject to change.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
- FSA with employer matching
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
- Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks
Export Control Requirements
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items.
Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
--
We do not work with external recruiters; if you are an external recruiter, please do not reach out.
Mechanical Design Engineer (II) (Pelican)
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our experienced and enthusiastic team of engineers. In this role, you will take ownership over a variety of mechanical components and subsystems on the aircraft and support them from conceptualization through serial production.
Our Mechanical Engineering team members work closely with Manufacturing Engineers, Flight Test Engineers, and other Mechanical Engineers to design, test, and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies. This role is not for the faint of heart -- the Pyka ME team handles the same amount of hardware as teams 10x the size. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a team that moves extremely quickly with significant opportunities for ownership/contribution, professional development, and growth.
- Improve the design of several existing components for better manufacturability, useability and durability.
- Thoroughly validate environmental requirements on aircraft parts, materials and assemblies
- Lead the investigation, root causing, solution creation, and solution validation of hardware bugs that come up during field testing.
- As a Mechanical Engineer at Pyka, you will be central to supporting our existing fleet of aircraft as well as developing the next generation through continuous learning and iteration.
Mechanical Engineering Intern - Dropship Fall 2026
About Pyka
About the Internship
Why This Internship Is Unique
Mechanical Engineer (Dropship)
About Pyka
Pyka’s goal is to provide society with a new form of safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation enabled by autonomous electric aviation.
To get there, we’re taking a different approach than most. We're applying our technologies to every industry where autonomous electric aircraft can be useful, starting with the highest value and most dangerous jobs. In doing so, we're building game-changing products manufactured at scale, while perfecting the safety, reliability, and capabilities of our autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems.
We design, develop and manufacture an ecosystem of technologies including proprietary flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes.
Today, we supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to real-world customers across four separate continents and have secured industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Our cargo aircraft enables remote connectivity, enhances express delivery networks, and ensures fast and reliable shipping of critical supplies to areas in need. Our crop protection aircraft offers agricultural services providers and farmers an autonomous tool to make aerial application safer, more precise, and less harmful to surrounding environments. Both vehicles are highly economical to operate, easy to deploy, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in their respective industries.
What you work on at Pyka makes people’s lives better now and brings the future of electric aviation one step closer each day.
Role Overview
Pyka is looking for a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our cargo aircraft team. In this role, you will lead the mechanical design and integration of key aircraft components. Your work will span from detailed CAD design to structural analysis, prototyping, and testing — all while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
The full posting opens here — pay, setting and the full description, without leaving the list.