OverviewThe Flight Test Pilot, Principal
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 Pilot Principle plays a pivotal 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 the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides technical oversight of all platform flight test projects.
- Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.
- Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certication projects.
- Leads the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
- Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
- Serve as the primary 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.
- 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 pilot 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.
- Perform other departmental duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- 10+ years experimental flight test experience.
- 7 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.
- FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience 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 marketplace 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 $170,145.26/Yr. - USD $255,217.88/Yr.