Experimental Test Pilot

Experimental Flight Test Pilot

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long‑Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless and Bell’s High‑Speed Vertical Take‑Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next‑generation stop‑fold aircraft.

This position is onsite in Fort Worth.

• Plan, execute and report on engineering and experimental test flights of new aircraft and/or systems.
• Develop safe, effective and efficient test planning and execution, applying crew resource management principles with flight crew, telemetry engineers, ATC, chase aircraft, etc.
• Provide critical input to the Flight Test Risk Management process in accordance with Bell Textron directives and FAA Order 4040.26.
• Be a positive and constructive member of the test pilot team and project teams as assigned to maximize unity of effort and ensure successful accomplishment of the flight test program objectives.
• Provide direction/recommendations relating to design, limitations, and procedures of developing aircraft relating to its operational effectiveness. Be able to relate these inputs to airworthiness standards, customer specifications, and flight test principles.
• Perform as a consultant to management and as an external spokesman for Bell on major matters and programs.
• Perform additional tasks and acquire varying responsibilities as appropriate.
• Travel in support of flight test and flight operations.

• Graduate of a SETP‐recognized test pilot school.
• Hold a Bachelor Degree (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Minimum of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, with Helicopter Instrument Ratings and possessing a current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
• Minimum of 2 000 total hours in rotary‑wing aircraft, including not less than 1 000 hours as pilot in command.
• Three years’ experience in vertical‑lift flight test and systems development, including helicopter/tiltrotor system integration, systems testing, and human‑machine interface assessments.
• Minimum of 100 hours of developmental, engineering or experimental flight test time.
• U.S. Citizen or permanent legal resident.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work with design engineers, flight test crews, and maintenance personnel.
• Proficient technical writing skills to author/revise flight test plans and reports in English.
• High proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and ability to adapt to software used for data management and analysis.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally in support of test programs (25%).
• Experience with FAA Flight Test DER or Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Unit Member, FAA PCI, or similar.
• Recent FAA certification experience and/or training, including identification of certification requirements, developing certification test plans/reports, participating in certification tests and evaluations, or presenting/analyzing data against airworthiness regulations and established methods of compliance.
• Experience with Aircraft Production Testing.
• FAA ATP Certificate, FAA CFI.
• Significant tiltrotor experience is desired.

• You’ll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule.
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO).
• 120 hours vacation time.
• 12‑13 paid holidays per year.
• 6 weeks parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• On‑site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor.
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups.
• And so much more.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level.

The position requires use of information subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non‑U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export‑restricted information.

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.