Flight Test Engineer Staff

Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 124,388 - 186,582; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employer-Paid Coverages

Flexible Spending Accounts

Career Development

Exclusive Discounts

Job summary

Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, Minnesota is seeking a Flight Test Engineer, Staff to lead the execution and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles. This senior technical role emphasizes regulatory compliance and mentorship of junior engineers.

With 7+ years of experience and a focus on advanced aerospace systems, the ideal candidate will oversee key testing operations and generate actionable insights for improvement. The position benefits from a competitive salary range and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in flight testing or aerospace engineering.
• Certification from a recognized test pilot school is preferred.
• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of flight test programs with defined objectives.
• Collaborate with management to ensure alignment with corporate goals.
• Oversee post-test data analysis focusing on critical parameters.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Aerodynamics

Propulsion systems

Avionics

Data acquisition

Simulation and modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Advanced analytical tools

Data processing tools

Job description

Overview

The Flight Test Engineer, Staff is a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles and systems. This position involves high‑level coordination, ensuring regulatory compliance, leading large‑scale testing efforts, and contributing to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority, the Flight Test Engineer Staff provides mentorship and support to junior and mid‑level engineers and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of critical flight test operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
• Oversee test resource allocation, ensuring that personnel, instrumentation, and facilities are prepared and optimized for successful operations.
• Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in-the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
• Act as a liaison between pilots, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision‑making during testing.
• Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem‑solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
• Oversee post-test data analysis, focusing on critical parameters such as flight stability, control, performance, structural loads, and avionics functionality.
• Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
• Use advanced analytical tools and simulation software to validate test results, conduct predictive analysis, and inform decision‑making.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
• Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
• Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
• Mentor junior and mid-level flight test engineers, sharing knowledge of best practices, methodologies, and analytical techniques.
• Lead technical review sessions, contributing expertise and guiding the team through complex engineering problems.
• Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross‑functional teams and senior management.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in flight testing, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field, with demonstrated experience in complex test programs.
• Certification from an accredited test pilot school or advanced flight test training is highly preferred.
• Deep expertise in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
• Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, and advanced analysis tools.
• Strong capabilities in simulation, modeling, and data processing tools.
• Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
• Experience in advanced risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
• Proven leadership skills, with experience mentoring engineers and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
• Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
• PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
• Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
• Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

Pay Range

Salary Range: USD $124,388.16/Yr. - USD $186,582.23/Yr.

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