The Society of Experimental Test Pilots | CL604/605 Test Pilot

About the Role

Collins Aerospace, a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry, is seeking an experienced Flight Test Pilot to join its dynamic team. This critical onsite position is based at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and will play a pivotal role in the development and certification of cutting-edge avionics product lines. The Associate Director of Flight Operations – Flight Test Pilot is responsible for the comprehensive planning, execution, and reporting of all assigned flight test activities, contributing significantly to product maturity, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) or Second-in-Command (SIC) on company-owned or operated aircraft.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to develop comprehensive flight test plans and reports essential for demonstrating compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conducting and witnessing ground and flight tests to ensure adherence to procedures and accurate data capture.
• Ensuring compliance with aviation regulations in accordance with authorization and discipline.
• Implementing robust risk management strategies to guarantee that all flights are conducted with acceptable levels of safety, proactively identifying, mitigating, or eliminating potential hazards.
• Actively participating in research and development initiatives aimed at advancing the maturity and safety of company products.
• Contributing to the overall operational efficiency and effectiveness of the flight test operations department.
• Maintaining current qualifications and proficiency in multiple aircraft types as required by project needs.
• Successfully engaging in and applying knowledge gained from company-sponsored training programs.
• Exercising exceptional professionalism and sound judgment in all operational aspects.
• Maintaining the highest degree of objectivity throughout all test and reporting activities.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• Education & Experience: A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
• U.S. Person Requirement: This position requires the candidate to be a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is defined as a lawful permanent resident as per 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S.
• An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Multi-engine and Instrument Ratings.
• Minimum of 4000 hours Total Time (TT), 2000 hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC), and 1500 hours Multi-engine.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed the minimum FAA Technical Qualifications and Experience for a Flight Test Pilot DER, specifically including 2000 hours PIC (with 100 hours within the past 12 months) and 100 hours of experimental flight testing.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible engineering experience (an engineering degree may substitute for up to 4 years of credit).
• Profound understanding of regulatory requirements pertinent to civil aircraft approvals and extensive experience in the certification process, particularly with avionics certification on FAA Part 23/25 aircraft.
• Working knowledge of applicable 14 CFR parts and associated guidance material.
• Significant experience engaging directly with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Possession of a current FAA First-Class Medical certificate.
• Previous flight experience in turbine aircraft and within a multi-crew environment.
• Ability to travel worldwide without restriction.

Preferred Qualifications

Highly desirable attributes for this role include:

• Existing FAA DER/ODA Unit Member (UM) Flight Test Pilot credentials, including Auto Flight Control authority.
• Type rating on Challenger 604 and/or Challenger 350 aircraft.
• Extensive international operating experience.
• Graduation from an accredited test pilot school.

Benefits and Employee Programs

Collins Aerospace offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan featuring employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program and Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages such as pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, and ID theft protection.
• Comprehensive birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Access to Ovia Health for fertility and family planning support.
• Adoption Assistance and Autism Benefit programs.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, a wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand for convenient virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons services for child and elder care.
• Teladoc Medical Experts, a second opinion program.
• And many more valuable benefits.

About Collins Aerospace & RTX

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, stands as a global leader, providing technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. With unparalleled capabilities, a comprehensive portfolio, and deep expertise, Collins Aerospace addresses the most complex challenges faced by its customers, meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. The Avionics division delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial, and business aviation customers. This includes providing connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, spanning from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Joining Collins Aerospace means contributing to solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time.

At Collins, the collaborative paths forged lead to limitless possibilities. The strong bonds formed — with customers and among colleagues — continually propel individuals and the company higher.