Chief Test Pilot

BAE Systems; Nog Tow; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company in England is seeking a Chief Test Pilot to lead and manage flight test operations, ensuring safety and compliance. The role requires extensive experience as a test pilot, strong leadership capabilities, and knowledge of aviation regulations. Join us to make a real difference in an inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers you to fulfill your potential.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a military or civilian fast jet test pilot.
• Current CofC or equivalent on military fast jet with valid medical category.
• Current EASA/CAA CPL/IR with Class 1 Medical.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage diverse test pilots and flight test personnel.
• Plan and execute flight test missions for fast jets and RPAS.
• Oversee pilot training and maintain flight safety culture.

Skills

Military or civilian fast jet test pilot experience

Leadership in flight test operations

Knowledge of aviation regulations

Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Education

Class A qualification from a recognized test pilot school

Job description

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing our diverse team of test pilots and flight test personnel
• Planning, briefing, executing, and debriefing flight test missions for fast jet and RPAS platforms
• Developing and maintaining flight test procedures, safety protocols, and risk assessments
• Liaising with engineering, programme, and regulatory teams to ensure test objectives are met
• Providing authoritative input into aircraft design, handling qualities, and system integration
• Representing the organisation in regulatory and customer‑facing engagements
• Overseeing pilot training, standardisation, and currency for test operations
• Chairing or contributing to flight safety committees, trials boards and incident reviews
• Maintaining a robust flight safety culture and compliance with all regulatory standards as the Flying Operations Post Holder
• Managing the provision of test crew SQEP to ground and air programmes on a day‑to‑day basis
• Continuing the development of pilot competencies and test readiness including future technologies as well as providing strategic input into aircraft development and future capability programmes, The Chief Test Pilot is responsible for leading and supervising all flight test activities across BAE Systems Fast Jet, Civil Aircraft and RPAS platforms both on the ground and in the air.

Role Overview

This senior role ensures the safe, effective, and compliant execution of flight test operations whilst providing strategic leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight to the flight test team and wider business. The Chief Test Pilot will act as the principal authority on flight test matters, supporting aircraft development, certification, capability enhancement, training and export programmes as well as liaison with other flight test centres, customer organisations and regulators.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder, etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a military or civilian fast jet test pilot
• Formal Class A qualification from a recognised test pilot school (e.g., ETPS, USAF TPS, USNTPS)
• Demonstrated leadership in flight test operations and team management as well as an in‑depth understanding of flight test planning, execution, and analysis
• Current CofC or equivalent on military fast jet with valid medical category
• Current EASA/CAA CPL/IR with Class 1 Medical
• Knowledge of UK and international aviation regulations (CAA, MAA, EASA)
• Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and complex programmes
• Experience in developmental and certification flight testing

Security Requirements

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share plans
• Extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits
• Green car scheme
• Private health plans and shopping discounts
• Potential eligibility for an annual incentive