Principal Flight Test Pilot
Job Summary
The Principal Flight Test Pilot is a senior technical leadership role responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and analysis of comprehensive flight test programs for advanced aerospace vehicles and systems. This position demands a high level of coordination to ensure stringent regulatory compliance, spearhead large-scale testing initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of testing methodologies. As a principal technical authority, the Principal Flight Test Pilot plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful outcomes of critical flight test operations. Expertise in experimental flight testing is essential to support aircraft development and achieve regulatory certification.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions
- Serves as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot, providing essential technical oversight for all platform flight test projects.
- Maintains a high level of pilot proficiency across both jet and propeller aircraft models.
- Safely conducts experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects.
- Leads the comprehensive planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, meticulously defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
- Collaborates effectively with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure all test activities are aligned with corporate objectives and the highest safety standards.
- Acts as the primary pilot authority during test operations, offering critical technical guidance, closely monitoring test data, and implementing real-time adjustments to ensure data accuracy and flight safety.
- Functions as a key liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to foster effective communication and informed decision-making throughout the testing process.
- Addresses complex technical challenges in real-time, leveraging advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond adeptly to dynamic testing conditions.
- Actively participates in the test safety review process, ensuring all tests are conducted with appropriate safety mitigations in place prior to flight.
- Generates detailed technical reports that meticulously document test results, identify variances, and provide actionable insights for design refinement or procedural enhancements.
- Develops, implements, and continuously refines safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
- Collaborates with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure strict compliance with industry standards and effectively mitigate potential risks.
- Cultivates a robust culture of safety and continuous improvement through thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize inherent risks.
- Provides valuable training and development opportunities for team members, supporting the advancement of their technical skills and industry knowledge.
- Works closely with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment of testing requirements with overarching project objectives.
- Acts as a pilot subject matter expert, contributing valuable insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
- Participates in strategic planning discussions aimed at enhancing test efficiency, data accuracy, and overall test program success.
- Performs other departmental duties as assigned, contributing to team and organizational goals.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Required: Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Required: 10+ years of experimental flight test experience.
- Required: 7 years of flight test pilot experience.
- Pilot Experience: 1500 hours total flight time, including 500 hours in turbine aircraft and 100 hours within the last 12 months.
- Preferred: Previous turbojet type rating.
- Preferred: Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA certification programs.
- Required: Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience.
- Preferred: FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience.
- Required: Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
- Required: Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
- Required: Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
- Required: Proven leadership skills in leading cross-functional test teams.
- Required: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Required: Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic test program environment.
Core Competencies
- Action Oriented
- Resourcefulness
- Directs Work
- Plans and Aligns
- Optimizes Work Processes
- Ensures Accountability
- Drives Results
Our Benefits
Cirrus Aircraft offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and overall satisfaction:
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days of employment, with 100% vesting.
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental insurance, with additional dependent coverage options available.
- Free Health Tracking: Opportunities for rewards upon meeting health goals.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours accrued within the first year of employment.
- Employee Referral Bonus: Rewarding employees for referring talented candidates.
- Career Development: Support for professional growth through tuition reimbursement and other opportunities.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to a range of partner and marketplace discounts.
- Community & Engagement: Participation in company and employee clubs at various locations.
These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus Aircraft!
Note: This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.
Cirrus Aircraft is dedicated to a drug-free work environment and promotes equal employment opportunity.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.