Test Pilot - Scaled Composites
Scaled Composites, a leading aerospace research company based in Mojave, California, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Test Pilot to join its dynamic team. Known for crafting groundbreaking, proof-of-concept, and record-setting aircraft, Scaled Composites fosters an environment of innovation and rapid progress. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong desire to contribute to the company's success, demonstrating initiative, ownership, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
Responsibilities
As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you will:
- Play a pivotal role in the technical support of experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems within a fast-paced design and prototyping environment.
- Utilize your extensive experience and sound judgment to guide the planning and execution of flight test objectives.
- Foster strong relationships within the organization, contributing to a collaborative and efficient team dynamic.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pilot multiple experimental aircraft, including chase, pace, photo, and target aircraft.
- Develop and write comprehensive flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports.
- Lead and actively participate in system design and design reviews, leveraging your prior engineering expertise.
- Design and develop effective test strategies, plans, and procedures for aircraft and components, ensuring alignment with system requirements.
- Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as a Test Crew Member or Test Conductor.
- Create and maintain up-to-date Pilot Operating Handbooks, including the development of normal and emergency procedures.
- Participate in preflight and post-flight briefings, meticulously documenting test results.
- Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple aircraft types.
Required Qualifications:
- FAA Commercial Single and Multi-Engine Land Pilots License with Instrument Rating; additional ratings and Type Ratings, including CFI S/MEL and CFII, highly preferred.
- FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a FAA Class II medical certificate.
- Minimum of 1000+ hours total PIC flight time, including reciprocating and turbine time.
- Completion of a full-course test pilot school or equivalent training and experience.
- Minimum of 250+ hours, or 30 test sorties, of documented actual developmental and/or experimental flight test time.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field supporting aircraft design and construction.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance and program access.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- In-depth knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to flight operations and aircraft certification.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
- Proven ability to manage time effectively and consistently meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a particular emphasis on engineering disciplines.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for project aircraft trips.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ability to work in cramped, confined cockpit environments for extended periods (up to 8 hours) with limited movement, in both hot and cold conditions.
- Proficiency in operating cockpit flight controls, including center stick, yoke, and side stick.
- Ability to exert significant physical force, including up to 150 lbs. for rudder, elevator, and aileron controls.
- Ability to enter and exit cockpit areas up to 4 feet off the ground.
- Capacity to work effectively in high-stress situations when required.
- Ability to lift up to 50+ lbs with assistance.
- Standing for approximately 60% of the workday.
- Commitment to wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for assigned tasks.
- Familiarity with working with composite materials, including epoxy resin systems, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam/core products.
- Experience working with chemicals such as acetone and alcohol.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials weighing up to 30 pounds on occasion.
- Demonstrated manual dexterity and coordination, including repetitive hand motions (e.g., keyboard use).
- Adaptability to working on diverse work surfaces and environments, including busy shop environments, cold rooms, and aircraft structures, utilizing raised platforms such as ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
- Willingness to work both inside and outside of buildings, potentially exposed to changing weather conditions.
- Ability to pass and maintain a passing score on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) to wear a respirator for extended periods.
- Clear vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (e.g., computer screen).
- Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for extended periods.
- Ability to write for extended periods.
- Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods.
- Capability to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis (e.g., files, books, office equipment).
- Ability to reach overhead and lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
- Excellent communication skills, enabling effective interaction and information exchange with others.
- Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low, non-hazardous concentrations.
- Ability to climb up and down steps on a daily basis.
- Sufficient agility to work within the interior of an aircraft structure, requiring bending, stooping, squatting, and/or kneeling in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
- Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Compensation:
$160,960 - $241,440
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and may not include all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.