Experimental Test Pilot

Kautex Textron; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is searching for an Experimental Test Pilot to plan and execute test flights for innovative aircraft systems. This role is vital in ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards and contributes significantly to the future of aviation. Candidates should possess extensive flight experience and strong technical skills, with a focus on safety and effective teamwork. The company offers flexible work schedules, generous PTO, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

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

Tuition reimbursement

Comprehensive health insurance

On-site clinic and pharmacy

Qualifications

• Graduate of an SETP recognized test pilot school.
• Minimum of 2000 hours total time in rotary wing aircraft.
• Three years' experience in vertical lift flight test and systems development.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and report on engineering and experimental test flights.
• Provide critical input to the Flight Test Risk Management process.
• Develop safe and effective test planning and execution.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

Proficiency in MS Word

Proficiency in MS Excel

Proficiency in MS PowerPoint

Airworthiness knowledge

Flight Test Management

Rotary Wing Operations

Education

Bachelor Degree

Masters Degree preferred

Job description

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.

Experimental Flight Test

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

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

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.