Engineering Flight Test Pilot Sr

Cirrus

Duluth, Minnesota

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Aerodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace and Defense, Analysis Skills, Avionics, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Data Quality, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Functional Testing, Industry Standards, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing Requirements, Mechanical Engineering, Military/DoD Standards, Precision Testing, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Propulsion, Protocol Analysis, Quality Assurance Methodology, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Safety Compliance, Safety Process, Safety Standards, Strategic Planning, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical Operations, Technical Presentation, Test Data, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Program, Test Requirements, Testing
LOCATION
Duluth, Minnesota
POSTED
2 days ago
Overview: 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 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:
  • 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.
  • 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 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 Range: Salary Range: USD $139,525.50/Yr. - USD $201,860.65/Yr.

About the Company

C

Cirrus