Experimental Test Pilot

Cessna Aircraft Company; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)

120 hours Vacation time

12–13 paid holidays per year

6 weeks parental leave

On-site clinic and pharmacy

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm in Texas is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot to plan and execute flight tests for new aircraft and systems. The role requires significant experience with rotary wing aircraft, strong communication skills, and a recognized test pilot school graduation. You'll be involved in developing test plans and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including time off and travel opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
• Minimum 100 hours of developmental, engineering, or experimental flight test time.
• Three years' experience in vertical lift flight test and systems development.

Responsibilities

• Plan and report on experimental flight tests of helicopters.
• Provide input to Flight Test Risk Management process.
• Develop safe and efficient test planning and execution.

Skills

Graduate of an SETP recognized test pilot school

2000 hours total time in rotary wing aircraft

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate

Education

Bachelor Degree (Masters Degree preferred)

Tools

Flight test plans

Job description

Job Number: 331498

Experimental Test Pilot

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless and Bell's High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next generation stop‑fold aircraft.

This position is onsite in Fort Worth.

Plan, execute, and report on experimental flight test in helicopters and may support similar efforts on tilt rotor aircraft. Additional flight operations as required to support currency and Bell Textron requirements business objectives. The selected applicant will participate in the acquisition, analysis, and reporting on flight test data needed to show compliance with applicable civil, commercial, and military airworthiness standards.

What you’ll be doing as a Experimental Test Pilot

• Plan, execute and report on engineering and experimental test flights of new aircraft and/or systems.
• Develop safe, effective and efficient test planning and execution, applying crew resource management principles with flight crew, telemetry engineers, ATC, chase aircraft, etc.
• Provide critical input to the Flight Test Risk Management process in accordance with Bell Textron directives and FAA Order 4040.26.
• Be a positive and constructive member of the test pilot team and project teams as assigned to maximize unity of effort and ensure successful accomplishment of the flight test program objectives.
• Provide direction/recommendations relating to design, limitations, and procedures of developing aircraft relating to its operational effectiveness. Be able to relate these inputs to airworthiness standards, customer specifications, and flight test principles.
• Perform as a consultant to management and as an external spokesman for Bell on major matters and programs.
• Perform additional tasks and acquire varying responsibilities as appropriate.
• Travel in support of flight test and flight operations.

Skills You Bring To this Role

• Must be a graduate of an SETP recognized test pilot school.
• Possess a Bachelor Degree (Masters Degree preferred)
• Minimum of an FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, with Helicopter Instrument Ratings and possess a current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
• Minimum of 2000 hours total time in rotary wing aircraft with not less than 1000 hours as pilot in command.
• Three years’ experience in vertical lift flight test and systems development. Experience with helicopter / tiltrotor system integration, systems testing, and human‑machine interface assessments.
• Minimum of 100 hours of developmental, engineering or experimental flight test time.
• Must be a U.S Citizen or a permanent legal resident.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work with design engineers, flight test crews, and maintenance personnel.
• Must possess the requisite technical writing skills to author/revise flight test plans and reports in the English language, to meet program objectives.
• Must possess high levels of proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, and have the ability to adapt to various software applications utilized for data management and/or data analysis.
• Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally in support of test programs (25%).
• FAA Flight Test DER or Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Unit Member experience.
• Have recent FAA certification experience and/or training which may include identification of certification requirements, developing certification test plans/reports, participating in certification test and evaluations, or presenting/analyzing data against airworthiness regulations and established methods of compliance.
• Experience with Aircraft Production Testing.
• FAA ATP Certificate, FAA CFI.
• Significant tiltrotor experience is desired.

What we offer you in return

• You’ll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12–13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave
• On‑site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices, and values.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non-U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export‑restricted information.