Senior Software QA Engineer, Aviation

THE PROBLEM

As Flock scales our Drone as a First Responder programs, ensuring the real-time reliability of our integrated mechatronic systems is critical to supporting first responders in split-second decisions. Validating complex hardware, edge computing, and cloud systems under real-world conditions requires a dedicated test leader who can bridge physical hardware and software interfaces. You will drive QA strategy, execute rigorous software and hardware testing, and set the release gates that ensure high system performance across our fleet.

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

• Lead the end-to-end quality assurance strategy for mechatronic systems, spanning airborne hardware, ground docks, and cloud backends.

• Author and execute comprehensive test plans, structuring test suites and execution metrics within test management platforms like Qase.

• Build custom test scripts and modify test automation frameworks using Python and Bash.

• Perform deep log-level debugging and issue isolation across microcontrollers, physical sensors, and edge devices using Linux CLI tools.

• Develop automated Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop test suites to set formal quality gates for upcoming fleet rollouts.

WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOT

• This is not a purely theoretical test design position, you will perform hands-on CLI debugging, analyze raw Linux logs, and evaluate real-world aircraft operations.

• This isn't a passive bug-logging job, you will constructively challenge architectural designs with data and establish formal testing gates for major hardware releases.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Systems engineering and QA experience on safety-critical mechatronic systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, UAVs, or aerospace platforms.

• Mastery of Linux environments, log-level debugging, and command-line interfaces across embedded devices and cloud infrastructures.

• Proficiency in Python or Bash for authoring custom testing scripts and expanding test automation.

• Demonstrated skill in structuring test plans, authoring detailed test cases, and managing execution metrics in tools like Qase.

• Technical familiarity with serial communications such as CAN and UART, computer vision, edge computing, and live data streaming.

• Experience with aviation standards, FAA Part 107 certification, Gazebo simulation, or cloud tools like AWS is a plus.

COMPENSATION

In this role, you'll receive a starting salary between $150,000 and $180,000 as well as Flock Stock Options. Base salary is determined by job-related experience, education/training, as well as market indicators. Your recruiter will discuss this in depth with you during our first chat.

WHY FLOCK 💚

Every community deserves to be safe. Flock builds the technology that makes that real: last year we supported over 1 million criminal investigations and helped locate more than 10,000 missing people. We're 1,700 people building the impossible with over $1B in funding, and the expectations are high on purpose. If you want a role where the stakes are real and the pace matches, this is it.

📍Some problems get solved faster in the same room, so we prioritize candidates in Atlanta and Boston. Hub-based roles mean real in-person time with your coworkers. Remote roles exist, and when a posting is open to remote work, it says so.

🌟 the impossible takes every kind of mind. Flock is an equal opportunity employer, and we know the best solutions come from diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills working together with mutual respect. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, email recruiting@flocksafety.com; your information stays confidential and is used only to arrange the right accommodation for your interviews.

💰 On compensation: we pay fairly for the work. Base salary is determined by job-related experience, education, training, and market indicators. The range in this posting covers base salary only and doesn't include equity, sales bonus plans where applicable, or benefits. The range may be adjusted over time, and this posting may span more than one career level.

📣 One last thing: all legitimate communication from Flock comes from an email ending in @flocksafety.com http://flocksafety.com or noreply@ashbyhq.com. We never make offers through messaging apps or third parties, and we never request payment or sensitive personal information during hiring. If you encounter suspicious outreach about a Flock role, report it to recruiting@flocksafety.com.