OverviewThe Flight Test Pilot, Senior
is a technical role responsible for the planning, execution, and analysis of
flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles and systems. This position
involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading
testing efforts, and contributing to the continuous improvement of testing
methodologies. As a technical authority,
the Flight Test Pilot Senior plays a signifigant role in ensuring the success
of critical flight test operations. This role requires expertise in
experimental flight testing to support aircraft development and regulatory
compliance.
Responsibilities- Acts as a Project Flight Test Pilot on assigned flight test projects
- Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in the assigned aircraft models.
- Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certication projects.
- Lead the planning and execution of assigned flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
- Collaborate with flight test management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
- Serve as the pilot authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
- Act as a liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing.
- Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
- Participate in test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight.
- Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
- Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
- Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
- Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
- Act as a pilot subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional.
- Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
- Perform other departmental duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelors degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 5 years experimental flight test experience.
- 2 years flight test pilot experience.
- Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hour in the last 12 months.
- Previous turbojet type rating prefered.
- Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
- Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivilent flight test pilot experience.
- Qualifed experience to FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot requirements within one year preferred.
- Knowledable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
- Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
- Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
- Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to maintain flexability and a positive attitude and flexibilty in dynamic test program enviroment.
Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
- Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5 after 90 days, with 100 vesting at 1 year of service
- PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
- Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
- Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and spanetplace discounts available
- Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations
These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Pay RangeSalary Range: USD $134,382.29/Yr. - USD $201,573.43/Yr.