Flight Test Engineer Staff

Cirrus • Duluth, MN

1d

About The Position

The Flight Test Engineer, Staff is a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles and systems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority, the Flight Test Engineer Staff provides mentorship and support to junior and mid-level engineers and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of critical flight test operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in flight testing, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field, with demonstrated experience in complex test programs.
• Deep expertise in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
• Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, and advanced analysis tools.
• Strong capabilities in simulation, modeling, and data processing tools
• Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
• Experience in advanced risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Certification from an accredited test pilot school or advanced flight test training is highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
• Oversee test resource allocation, ensuring that personnel, instrumentation, and facilities are prepared and optimized for successful operations.
• Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary 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 pilots, 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.
• Oversee post-test data analysis, focusing on critical parameters such as flight stability, control, performance, structural loads, and avionics functionality.
• Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
• Use advanced analytical tools and simulation software to validate test results, conduct predictive analysis, and inform decision-making.
• 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.
• Mentor junior and mid-level flight test engineers, sharing knowledge of best practices, methodologies, and analytical techniques.
• Lead technical review sessions, contributing expertise and guiding the team through complex engineering problems.
• Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior