Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Robinson Helicopter Co; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Co in Torrance, CA is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot to join a compact flight test team responsible for development, testing, and certification of rotorcraft. The role involves planning, executing, and reporting flight tests for experimental aircraft.

You will conduct ground and flight tests, prepare test plans and reports, coordinate with regulators, and mentor teammates while occasional travel is required. A strong aviation background and certification are essential.

Qualifications

• Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school or substantial development/certification flight test experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years' experience as an experimental rotorcraft test pilot.
• FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Second Class Medical.
• Minimum 1,000 hours Helicopter PIC time.
• Strong risk and safety management in flight test environments.
• Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
• Conduct varying, complex flight test projects including plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports.
• Lead or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies and execute test programs safely and efficiently.
• Maintain compliance with processes and safety procedures; contribute insights to improve product and organization.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with cross-functional issues.
• Interface with regulators (FAA, EASA, TCCA) regarding flight test certification aspects.
• Maintain records and conduct audits to verify compliance.
• Maintain currency across multiple aircraft types, and travel as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Team-oriented

Self-motivated

Risk management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Engineering software tools

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Torrance, CA 90505

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $180,000.00 - $240,000.00 Salary/year

Job Shift: Day

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil rotorcraft located in Torrance, California. Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications. We have a strong engineering team; almost 85% of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location. We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying. Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognition from our customers.

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Test Pilot at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world. The Experimental Flight Test Pilot is part of a small and nimble flight test team plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
• Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports
• Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross‑functional technical issues.
• Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program to ensure safety objectives are accomplished including participation in flight test plan reviews, test flights, pre and post test flight briefings and test readiness reviews.
• Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification.
• Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
• Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.

Experimental Test PilotRequired Qualifications

• Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school or possess substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years' experience as an experimental RW test pilot.
• FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Second Class Medical.
• Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
• Significant experience managing Risk and Safety in the flight test environment.
• Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Excellent academic record.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others
• Able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
• Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools

Desired Qualifications

• Significant experience in multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.
• DER and/or ODA experience.
• Master's degree in engineering.
• Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
• FAA Helicopter Instructor pilot certificate and experience.
• Previous experience with advanced flight controls.