Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal

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 Principle 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/Essential Functions

* Acts as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides 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.

* Leads 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 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

* Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

* 10+ years experimental flight test experience.

* 7 years flight test pilot experience.

* Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hour 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.

* Knowledable 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 and flexibility in dynamic test program environment.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

* Action Oriented

* Resourcefulness

* Directs Work

* Plans and aligns

* Optimizes Work Processes

* Ensures Accountability

* Drives Results

Our Benefits:
Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

* 401(k) Plan:
Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.

* Employer-Paid Coverages:
Group term life, short-…