Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal

Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 170,145 - 255,217; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employer-Paid Coverages

401(k) Plan with matching

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid time off

Job summary

Cirrus Aircraft is looking for a Principal Flight Test Pilot to lead high-level flight test programs for advanced aerospace vehicles. The role emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with engineering teams.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in experimental flight testing, a proven leadership track record, and a comprehensive understanding of industry regulations. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a robust 401(k) plan with matching, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experimental flight test experience.
• 7 years flight test pilot experience.
• 1500 hours total pilot experience with 500 hours turbine.

Responsibilities

• Lead all platform flight test projects.
• Conduct experimental flight tests safely.
• Collaborate with senior management and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Experimental flight testing

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Knowledge of aerodynamics

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 certication 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

• 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 prefered.
• Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivilent 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 flexability and a positive attitude and flexibilty in dynamic test program enviroment.

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

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts:FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
• Well-being:Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
• PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
• Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
• Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

Pay Range

Salary Range: USD $170,145.26/Yr. - USD $255,217.88/Yr.

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