Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Robinson Helicopter Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California, is seeking an Experimental Flight Test Pilot to contribute to development and certification of widely used civil rotorcraft. You will plan, execute, and analyze flight tests, acting as PIC and leading test teams in complex projects.

The role requires substantial RW test pilot experience, FAA pilot certificates, and strong communication, risk management, and project leadership capabilities. Expect irregular hours and periodic travel as needed.

Qualifications

• SETP recognized test pilot school graduate or substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in 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.
• Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, able to work irregular hours and travel periodically.
• Proven self-starter with minimal supervision and strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.

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 safely and efficiently.
• Ensure flight testing complies with department processes and SOPs for 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 including plan reviews, flights, briefings, and readiness reviews.
• Interface with regulators (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) for flight test aspects of certification.
• Maintain required records and audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
• Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple aircraft types.

Skills

Flight test planning

Communication skills

Project management

Risk management

Microsoft Office

Engineering software tools

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

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.

Required 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.