Flight Test Pilot 4

Garmin Ltd.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Garmin Ltd. in the United States seeks a full-time Flight Test Pilot 4 at its U.S. headquarters in the Kansas City metro area.

You will serve as Pilot in Command for challenging tests on experimental aircraft, lead flight test projects, and craft comprehensive test strategies and certification plans for complex programs. You will mentor junior pilots, coordinate with engineering teams, and push for safety improvements while aligning roadmaps with senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering with 9+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• GPA at least 3.0 on average.
• Minimum 2,000 hours total flight time.
• Avionics flight test experience.
• Experience working with certification authorities and understanding certification processes.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to guide others.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate and Flight Test DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification.
• 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Act as Pilot in Command for high-risk tests on experimental aircraft.
• Lead flight test projects and develop test strategies for complex programs.
• Propose new designs addressing unmet needs.
• Maintain multiple test aircraft configurations and coordinate with engineering teams.
• Serve as an expert in test aircraft operations for project teams.
• Identify issues and drive resolution on large, complex projects.
• Author certification plans and related content for complex certification issues.
• Support certification authorities to resolve difficult issues.
• Improve processes, author procedures, and advance flight test safety.
• Coordinate system roadmaps and product vision with senior management; mentor junior pilots.

Skills

Flight Test Experience

Certification Process Knowledge

Troubleshooting Skills

Verbal and Written Communication

Leadership / Mentoring

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering

2,000 hrs total flight time

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Flight Test DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification

2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot 4 at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area. In this role, you will be responsible for being a key technical contributor as acting Pilot in Command for difficult or high-risk tests, performing as Flight Test Project lead for complex projects, developing effective flight test strategies for complex test programs, authoring highly complex certification plans, and serving as a subject matter expert for product development teams.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with significant changes to certificated design and conducts difficult, high-risk tests or tests that require refined pilot technique
• Acts as Flight Test Project Lead for complex projects including developing effective test strategies for complex test programs
• Proposes basic new designs and concepts that address previously unmet operational and user needs
• Maintains complex test aircraft configurations including multiple test aircraft programs and coordinates with engineering teams
• Serves as an expert in test aircraft operations and is a valuable resource to project and maintenance teams
• Provides insight into difficult issues through independent research
• Identifies and tracks issues during flight test and proactively drives resolution for large, complex projects
• Leverages advanced understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for large, complex projects with significant certification issues such as novel or unusual features
• Subject matter expert in resolving difficult certification issues by working with certification authorities
• Utilizes expertise in trouble shooting to assist others in resolving technical issues including identification of viable, innovative solutions for difficult project issues
• Proactively works to improve processes, author new procedures, and advance the safety culture of the flight test organization
• Coordinates overall system roadmaps and product vision with senior management and other project leads
• Mentors and guides less experienced flight test pilots (Flight Test Pilot 2 & Senior Flight Test Pilots)
• Demonstrates broad understanding of Garmin’s business model, including operations, production, sales and marketing

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
• Minimum 2,000 hrs. total flight time
• Previous avionics flight test experience
• Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
• Previous experience working with certification authorities and advanced understanding of certification process and associated regulations
• Demonstrates expert troubleshooting skills with previous experience in troubleshooting and guiding others in resolving complex technical issues
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
• 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate

Desired Qualifications

• Outstanding academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
• Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
• Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.

This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits