The Society of Experimental Test Pilots | Test Pilot

Job Summary

The Flight Test Pilot, Principal is a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles and systems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority, the Flight Test Pilot Principal plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of critical flight test operations. This role requires expertise in experimental flight testing to support aircraft development and regulatory compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provide technical oversight of all platform flight test projects.
• Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.
• Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects.
• Lead the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
• Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary pilot authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in-the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
• Act as a liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing.
• Address complex technical challenges in real-time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
• Participate in the test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight.
• Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
• Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
• Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
• Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
• Act as a pilot subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experimental flight test experience.
• 7 years of flight test pilot experience.
• Pilot Experience: 1500 hours total flight time, 500 hours turbine time, 100 hours in the last 12 months.
• Previous turbojet type rating preferred.
• Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience.
• FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience preferred.
• Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
• Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
• Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude in a dynamic test program environment.

Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Resourcefulness
• Directs Work
• Plans and Aligns
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Ensures Accountability
• Drives Results