The Society of Experimental Test Pilots | Test Pilot

About Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics is dedicated to building safety-enhancing technology for the aviation industry, developing automated aviation systems that promise a safer, more convenient, and fundamentally transformative future for the movement of goods and people globally. The team consists of mission-driven engineers experienced across aerospace, robotics, and self-driving vehicle technologies, working collaboratively to realize this advanced future.

Position Overview

Reliable Robotics is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced individual for the critical role of Lead Test Pilot. This position requires senior leadership within the Flight Operations team, offering the opportunity to provide strategic direction and serve as a leading voice in the development of cutting-edge, safety-enhancing technology. The Lead Test Pilot will operate within a highly collaborative environment, coordinating essential activities with multiple engineering teams company-wide to meticulously develop and safely execute comprehensive flight test plans.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Test Pilot’s primary responsibilities involve the leadership and direction of a team of highly motivated flight test pilots and engineers. This pivotal role encompasses:

• Leading the flight test team to achieve technical and operational objectives.
• Developing and safely executing flight test plans in direct support of complex research and development (R&D) efforts.
• Piloting aircraft in both onboard (manned) and remote configurations, demonstrating versatility in operations.
• Coordinating the training and scheduling of contract pilots, ensuring high standards of professionalism and procedure adherence.
• Establishing and maintaining all aspects of experimental flight operations for maximum safety and success.
• Coordinating closely with Reliable Robotics’ Part 135 airline operations to standardize pilot procedures across the entire organization.
• Providing instrumental support throughout the development lifecycle, including the execution of flight tests, meticulous data reviews, and ensuring the proper operation of the autonomous systems.

Required Qualifications (Basic Success Criteria)

Candidates must satisfy the following essential requirements:

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL) with a minimum of 1500 total flight hours.
• Minimum of 500 fixed-wing flight hours and 500 turbine engine flight hours.
• Demonstrated experience performing a secondary complex skillset while piloting (e.g., tactical aircraft operations, firefighting, crop dusting, Search and Rescue (SAR), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), or law enforcement aviation).
• Possession of a current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher.
• At least two (2) years of proven experience in an aviation leadership or supervisory role.

Highly Desired Qualifications (Preferred Success Criteria)

Competitive candidates will also possess:

• Graduation from a Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) recognized flight test school.
• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline, or equivalent extensive industry experience.
• Recent operational experience with Caravan or PT6A powered aircraft.
• Diversity of experience across multiple aircraft types and airframes.
• Current CFII or military flight instructor qualifications.
• Experience operating automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc.).
• Prior experience working within a formal Flight Test program specifically focused on FAA Certification.
• Experience developing flight procedures, comprehensive training curricula, and safety management systems (SMS).
• Operational experience flying for a 14 CFR Part 135 or 121 Air Carrier.
• Deep and comprehensive understanding of FAA certification processes and practical implementation strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of systems engineering processes and principles.
• Basic familiarity with software programming principles.

Compensation and Benefits

The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $225,000. Reliable Robotics is committed to providing competitive and rewarding compensation based on experience, expertise, market conditions, location, and pay equity.

In addition to base compensation, Reliable Robotics offers a robust benefits package, including stock options, employee medical coverage, 401k contributions, opportunities to collaborate with great co-workers, and a casual work environment.

Travel Requirement: Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time.

Legal Compliance and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

This position requires access to information subject to U.S. export controls. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to perform in full compliance with U.S. export control laws. Applicants must provide documentation legally establishing status as a U.S. person or non-U.S. person (including nationalities for non-U.S. persons).

Reliable Robotics strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Reliable Robotics evaluates all employment and promotion decisions strictly on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need, without discrimination based on race, religion, color, creed, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis covered by applicable law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation in completing the application process, interviewing, or pre-employment testing should direct inquiries to the hiring department.