Test Pilot
Location: Mobile, AL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job ID: JR10341016
Job Summary
Airbus Commercial Aircraft is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Test Pilot to join its esteemed Engineering department in Mobile, Alabama. This critical role involves ensuring the precise and safe execution of all ground and flight tests for A220 and A320 production aircraft, directly contributing to the rigorous quality and safety standards that define Airbus commercial fleets.
About the Role
The Test Pilot holds significant responsibility as Captain for all assigned flight operations, exercising authority under Delegation of Authority (DOA) privilege. This position demands strict adherence to authorized test plans, requires dynamic decision-making during flight operations, and necessitates close collaboration with engineering teams to swiftly resolve any technical observations or faults. Beyond core flight testing, the role encompasses engaging with customers during aircraft delivery and potentially supporting a broader range of flight test activities both locally and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Serves as Captain for all assigned test flights, assuming ultimate responsibility for flight conduct and formally signing the flight order.
- Approves flight conditions in strict accordance with Airbus procedures and delegated authority from the Head of Flight Test.
- Rigorously adheres to authorized flight test plans, retaining the right to modify or remove unsuitable items from the existing Flight Order in collaboration with the Lead Flight Test Engineer (L-FTE), ensuring full compliance with authorized flight envelopes and aircraft limitations.
- Participates actively in post-flight technical debriefs and effectively liaises with Engineering staff to expedite the resolution of any faults or observations identified during approved test flights.
- Manages all ground and in-flight arrangements, including comprehensive briefings, in coordination with the Instrument Flight Test Engineer (I-FTE) and dispatch teams, to ensure safe and efficient flight conduct.
- Engages continuously with customers throughout the aircraft delivery process, participating in dedicated customer-focused activities to effectively communicate Airbus's approved positions on major industry issues and flight test matters.
- May be required to perform additional tasks within the broader Flight Test perimeter, such as assisting Training Departments, conducting external flights (e.g., lease-recovery, developmental flights, commercial events), providing short-term assistance to other global Flight Test centers (e.g., Toulouse, Hamburg, Tianjin, Mirabel), and attending or presenting at conferences.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Graduate of an EASA-recognized flight test school (e.g., ETPS, EPNER, USNTPS, USAFTPS, NTPS, ITPS).
- Minimum of 3,000 total flight hours.
- Over 1,000 hours of dedicated flight test pilot experience.
- Possession of a current multi-pilot instrument rating.
- An ICAO ATPL that is eligible for conversion to an EASA ATPL.
- Proficiency at ICAO English Level 5.
- Recent and demonstrable experience with Fly-By-Wire (FBW) aircraft systems.
- Exceptional communication skills, with a proven ability to resolve problems, facilitate consensus, and maintain focus on objectives.
- Demonstrated capability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, excelling both independently and collaboratively.
- Highly dependable, self-motivated, and readily accessible.
- Willingness and ability to travel unaccompanied to international destinations for approximately three months annually.
- Flexibility to work extended and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in accordance with the Airbus Flight Operations Manual.
Physical Requirements (100% On-site)
The position is 100% on-site and requires the ability to:
- Vision: Able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment, and to interpret documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
- Hearing: Able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference/phone, and to discern sounds on the production floor, including safety warnings or alarms.
- Speaking: Able to effectively communicate in conversations, meetings, and deliver information.
- Equipment Operation: Able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment, as well as production tools such as hydraulic lifts.
- Carrying/Lifting: Able to carry and lift documents, tools, drawings, and electronic equipment weighing up to 30 lbs (14 kgs).
- Pushing/Pulling: Able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools.
- Sitting: Able to sit for long periods of time during meetings and while working on the computer.
- Squatting/Kneeling: Able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.
- Standing: Able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.
- Travel: Able to travel independently and at short notice.
- Walking: Able to walk through office and production areas, including navigating uneven surfaces.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Required to wear PPE including, but not limited to, safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, and/or protective gloves as required by site and/or customer specific needs.
Benefits & Rewards
Airbus is committed to supporting its employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to foster well-being and professional growth, including:
- Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, potential incentive compensation (which may include profit-sharing schemes), a robust retirement savings plan, and the opportunity to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
- Work/Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including personal time, 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, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other supplemental benefit coverages.
- Individual Development: Access to extensive upskilling and development opportunities through Airbus's global Leadership University, providing unlimited access to over 10,000 e-learning courses focused on enhancing employability, certifications, and career pathways. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programs and pursue national and international mobility.
- Flexible Working: Wherever possible, Airbus supports flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking and enhance work-life integration.
About Airbus
Airbus is a global leader in the aerospace industry, dedicated to shaping the future of aviation. The Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, AL, established in 2015, stands as a cornerstone of this commitment. This facility plays a vital role in strengthening the U.S. aerospace industry by producing A320 Family aircraft and, since 2019, A220 aircraft, thereby enhancing Airbus's global competitiveness and meeting the growing needs of its customers in the United States and beyond.
Airbus Americas, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. The company operates with integrity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.