Engineering Flight Test Pilot Sr

Cirrus Aircraft•Duluth, MN

3d•$134,382 - $201,573

About The Position

The 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 significant 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's 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.
Knowledgable 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 flexibility and a positive attitude and flexibility in dynamic test program environment.

Nice To Haves

Previous turbojet type rating preferred.
Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience.
Qualified experience to FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot requirements within one year preferred.

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 certification 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 teams.
Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Benefits

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 marketplace discounts available
Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations