The Society of Experimental Test Pilots | Test Pilot

Flight Test Pilot - Garmin

Garmin is a leading innovator in aviation products and services, providing essential solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government, defense, and commercial markets. We are currently seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot to join our team in Salem, OR.

Position Overview

The Flight Test Pilot provides technical leadership in the execution of flight test operations. This role is responsible for developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, serving as Pilot in Command during test execution, representing the end-user perspective, and collaborating with certification authorities to resolve regulatory issues.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with significant design changes, conducting complex, moderate-risk testing.
• Serves as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects.
• Drafts comprehensive ground and flight test plans, including programs involving novel test requirements.
• Defines operational characteristics for systems under development and represents the product's end-user.
• Maintains complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates closely with engineering teams.
• Analyzes flight test data to determine system compliance and facilitate certification.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting on test aircraft and installations; provides technical support to maintenance crews.
• Identifies and resolves issues during the flight test cycle to ensure project quality.
• Utilizes an in-depth understanding of certification processes and regulations to author certification plans and technical documentation.
• Develops project-level documentation structures for flight manuals and pilot technical publications.
• Functions as a subject matter expert on system flight operations, communicating functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis teams.
• Mentors junior flight test pilots and contributes to the continuous improvement of the flight test organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong academic background (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher).
• Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate.
• Minimum 1,500 hours of total flight time.
• Minimum 200 hours of flight test experience.
• Proven ability to perform advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations.
• Thorough understanding of the aircraft certification process and associated regulations.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in systems engineering or software development.
• Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member qualification.
• Commercial aviation experience.
• Helicopter pilot qualifications.

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age, or disability.