Flight Test Aircraft Coordinator

Robinson Helicopter Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company is a leading rotorcraft manufacturer known for practical, affordable aircraft and a focus on engineering excellence. The Flight Test Aircraft Coordinator supports the Test and Evaluation team by configuring, maintaining, and modifying flight test aircraft to meet development and certification goals.

The role involves coordinating aircraft configuration, maintenance, scheduling, certifications, and off-site test operations to ensure safe, efficient testing and

Qualifications

• Associates degree in aviation maintenance technology or related field.
• 5+ years in aircraft maintenance environment (Crew Chief, Aircraft Coordinator, Technician).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specs, and manuals.
• Willingness to work any shift and travel as needed.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and ensure maintenance, squawk resolution, modifications, and inspections for test aircraft.
• Manage aircraft configuration and maintenance records to meet test needs.
• Plan and execute complex hardware, software, and instrumentation modifications.
• Coordinate flight activities, readiness, and aircraft release for test missions.
• Collaborate with Instrumentation, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Aircraft Maintenance, QA, and Flight Crews.
• Coordinate issuance of airworthiness certificates with QA, Engineering and FAA.
• Maintain accurate aircraft records and databases.
• Coordinate resources for off-site test campaigns and readiness reviews.
• Participate in Safety Management System activities and adhere to FAA regulations.
• Contribute to company procedures for safe and efficient work practices.

Skills

Aircraft maintenance

Coordination

Reading drawings

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Associates degree in aviation maintenance technology

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Job description

Job Summary

Robinson Helicopter Company is a leading manufacturer of civil rotorcraft with a 50-year history of providing affordable helicopters for a wide range of applications. Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

The Flight Test Aircraft Coordinator is a member of the Test and Evaluation team who is responsible for maintenance and modification of flight test aircraft to support development and certification objectives. Coordinates required aircraft configuration, maintenance, modifications, scheduling, certification activities, and off-site test operations to enable the safe, efficient, and successful execution of the flight test program.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and ensure timely execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, squawk resolution, modifications, and inspection activities for test aircraft.
• Manage aircraft configuration and maintenance to meet test requirements, including work order authoring, conformity, maintenance, and record keeping.
• Plan and execute complex hardware, software, and instrumentation modifications, prioritizing work based on feasibility, practicality, and program goals.
• Coordinate flight activities for assigned aircraft, including pre-flight readiness, configuration status, maintenance status briefings, and aircraft release for test missions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including Instrumentation, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Aircraft Maintenance, Quality, Program Management, and Flight Crews to ensure aircraft are ready when needed for test.
• Coordinate the issuance of airworthiness certificates for experimental aircraft by creating program letters, applications for airworthiness, and proposed operating limitations. Coordinate with company quality, engineering, and flight test and FAA to ensure airworthiness certificates are issued and maintained.
• Maintain accurate aircraft records in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Manage aircraft databases and related online accounts.
• For offsite test campaigns, coordinate personnel, material, equipment, facilities, financial, and logistical resources; and off-site readiness reviews.
• Participate in Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Management System activities and adhere to FAA regulations and company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to company procedures and policies to ensure efficient and safe work practices.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree in aviation maintenance technology, aviation management, aeronautics, engineering technology, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working in the aircraft maintenance environment (Crew Chief, Aircraft Coordinator, Technician).
• Extensive knowledge of helicopter maintenance techniques and best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Flexibility to work any shift and willingness to travel.
• Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others.
• Able to read, speak, and understand the English language.

Desired Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
• FAA Mechanic certificate with Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) or IA ratings.
• Prior experience as a flight test technician or mechanic.
• Pilot certificate.
• Prior experience in experimental flight test operations and aircraft certification testing.