Sr. Engineer, IPT - Flight Test Pilot
Piper Aircraft is seeking a qualified Sr. Engineer, IPT - Flight Test Pilot to support the Flight Operations Lead Engineer and the overall product development Integrated Product Team (IPT) in support of aircraft development, company, and certification flight tests. The successful candidate will prepare flight test cards, participate in pre/post flight briefings, execute test flights, and document test results. Responsibilities include the preparation of Flight Test Plans, Type Inspection Authorizations (TIA), Type Inspection Reports (TIR), and Pilot Operating Handbooks (POH). This is a full-time position within the Engineering department.
Essential Job Functions:
- Act as pilot-in-command for Piper experimental test operations aircraft during the conduct of flight test activities related to the development and certification of Piper products.
- Coordinate project-specific flight and ground crew logistics, including pre-flight briefings, post-flight briefings, duty day restrictions, travel, transportation, and test hazard mitigation requirements.
- Conduct research, development, and certification flight tests to ensure test aircraft comply with company requirements and applicable Civil and Federal Aviation Regulations (CAR and FAR).
- Create, revise, review, and approve technical and compliance documents subject to the Piper ODA.
- Prepare Pilot Operating Handbooks (POH) and Flight Manuals.
- Support the Piper safety management system and participate in related activities.
- Liaise with other departments as the Experimental Flight Test subject matter expert.
- Mentor less experienced flight test pilots.
- Complete required initial and recurrent safety training.
- Participate in general IPT project meetings as required during the development of a specific project.
- Support the IPT, as required, in the preparation of material for presentation at design and program reviews.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- May be required to supervise, train, and assist other flight test personnel.
Qualifications:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Candidate must qualify for an FAA 2nd Class Medical.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in a Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering discipline, with continued advanced training in Flight Test Engineering.
- 10-15 years of flight test experience with a minimum of 5 years as an active flight test pilot with experience related to Stability and Control, Performance, Avionics, Mechanical Systems, and/or Powerplant Systems.
- FAA certificates/ratings (commercial pilot license, multi-engine and instrument ratings), and comprehensive knowledge of aircraft design, testing, and certification.
- Familiarity with 14CFR Part 23 regulations and associated guidance material.
Preferred:
- Documented CFR Part 23 or Part 25 experience as a DER or ODA UM.
- Experience as an ODA Unit Member (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst).
- Consulting DER Appointment (Test Pilot and/or Flight Analyst).
- Ability to qualify for ODA test pilot appointment within one year of employment.
- Test Pilot School Graduate.
- Graduate degree in engineering or related field.
Language Skills:
- The employee must possess the ability to communicate effectively with all internal and external customers in both written and oral form.
Benefits:
Piper Aircraft offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Core Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Piper Provided Benefits (Basic): Basic Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & DCA), Supplemental Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD Buy-Up)
- Trustmark Voluntary Plans: Accident Plan, Critical Illness, Universal Life (Whole Life Policy), Hospital StayPay, Preferred Legal Plan
- Time Off: 16 days of PTO (Paid Time Off), 11 Holidays