Airbus Americas, Inc. | A320 Test Pilot

About Airbus

Airbus is a global pioneer in the aerospace industry, operating in the commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense, and space sectors. Committed to innovation and excellence, Airbus strives to provide the most advanced and efficient aeronautical solutions worldwide. The Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Alabama, is a cornerstone of our global strategy, producing A320 Family aircraft since 2015 and expanding to include the A220 in 2019. This facility plays a crucial role in strengthening the U.S. aerospace industry and meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

The Opportunity: Test Pilot, Commercial Aircraft

Airbus Commercial Aircraft is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Test Pilot to join its distinguished Engineering department in Mobile, Alabama. This critical position is responsible for the meticulous and safe execution of ground and flight tests for A220 and A320 production aircraft. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a collaborative team that guides aircraft from initial concept through to customer delivery, working closely with production teams on all facets of assembly, including technical information management, quality control, maintenance tasks, and adherence to health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

The Test Pilot will assume comprehensive command and responsibility for flight test operations, encompassing:

• Taking full responsibility for all aspects of the flight, including the formal signing of the flight order, which is prepared and co-signed by the Lead Flight Test Engineer (L-FTE).
• Approving flight conditions as Captain, under DOA privilege and by specific delegation from the Head of Flight Test, ensuring strict adherence to established Airbus procedures.
• Rigorously complying with the authorized flight test plan. While the L-FTE may propose in-flight modifications based on real-time flight analysis, instrumentation issues, changing weather conditions, or aircraft serviceability, such changes require the Captain's concurrence and must strictly align with the authorized flight envelope and aircraft limitations. The Captain retains the absolute right to delete any unsuitable items from the existing Flight Order.
• Actively participating in post-flight technical debriefs and effectively liaising with Engineering staff to expedite the resolution of any faults or observations identified during approved test flights.
• Ensuring all ground and in-flight arrangements are meticulously coordinated and executed for safe and efficient flight conduct, including all necessary briefings, in collaboration with the In-Flight Test Engineer (I-FTE) and dispatch personnel.
• Continuously engaging with customers throughout the aircraft delivery process and participating in dedicated customer-focused activities to proficiently communicate Airbus's approved positions on major industry issues and flight test matters.
• Performing additional tasks within the broader Flight Test perimeter, which may include assisting Training Departments, conducting external flights (e.g., lease-recovery, developmental flights, commercial events), providing short-term assistance to other Airbus Flight Test centers (e.g., Toulouse, Hamburg, Tianjin, Mirabel), and attending or presenting at aviation conferences.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Prospective candidates must demonstrate a distinguished professional background and possess the following essential qualifications:

• Graduation from an EASA-recognized flight test school (e.g., ETPS, EPNER, USNTPS, USAFTPS, NTPS, ITPS).
• A minimum of 3000 total flight hours.
• Extensive flight test pilot experience, exceeding 1000 flight hours.
• Possession of a current multi-pilot instrument rating.
• An ICAO Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) that is eligible for seamless conversion to an EASA ATPL.
• Demonstrated ICAO English Level 5 proficiency.
• Recent and relevant experience with Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft systems.
• A refined approach to communication, enabling the resolution of complex problems, facilitation of consensus, and unwavering focus on operational objectives.
• The proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, both autonomously and as a collaborative team member.
• A dependable, self-motivated, and accessible professional demeanor.
• The capability to travel unaccompanied to international destinations for approximately three months.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible and extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required and within the defined scope of the Airbus Flight Operations Manual.
• Current authorization to work in the United States is mandatory.

Benefits and Work Environment

Airbus is deeply committed to the well-being and professional development of its employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Financial Rewards: A competitive base salary, robust incentive compensation schemes (which may include profit sharing), a comprehensive retirement savings plan, and the opportunity to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Work/Life Balance: Generous paid time off, encompassing personal leave, company holidays, and a comprehensive paid parental leave program.
• Health & Welfare: Extensive insurance coverage, including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental benefit coverages.
• Individual Development: Unlimited access to Airbus's global Leadership University, offering over 10,000 e-learning courses focused on enhancing employability, supporting certifications, and fostering career progression. Opportunities for accelerated development programs and both national and international mobility are also available.
• Flexible Work: Airbus champions flexible working arrangements wherever possible to stimulate innovative thinking and facilitate easier connectivity and collaboration among teams.

Join our team of dedicated Engineers at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing facility, where aircraft are brought to life from concept to customer delivery. You will work alongside production teams, managing technical information, ensuring quality control, overseeing maintenance tasks, and upholding stringent health & safety standards along our flowlines and flight lines.

Physical Demands

This is an onsite position (100%) in Mobile, Alabama, requiring the following physical capabilities:

• Vision: Ability to clearly see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with displays, as well as documents, reports, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Hearing: Ability to actively participate in conversations in person, via teleconference, or over the phone, and to discern sounds on the production floor, including critical safety warnings or alarms.
• Speaking: Ability to communicate effectively in conversations and meetings, deliver information clearly, and participate actively in communications.
• Equipment Operation: Ability to proficiently operate most standard office and personal electronic equipment, as well as some production tools, including hydraulic lifts.
• Carrying/Lifting: Ability to carry and lift documents, tools, drawings, and electronic equipment weighing up to 30 lbs (14 kgs).
• Pushing/Pulling: Ability to push and pull small office furniture, equipment, and various tools.
• Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods during meetings and while working on the computer.
• Squatting/Kneeling: Ability to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.
• Standing: Ability to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor for extended periods.
• Travel: Ability to travel independently and on short notice as required.
• Walking: Ability to walk through office and production areas, including traversing uneven surfaces.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Compliance with all required PPE, which includes, but is not limited to, safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and/or protective gloves, as mandated by site and/or customer requirements.