Lead Experimental Flight Test Pilot – Rotorcraft Development

Robinson Helicopter Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California, is seeking an Experimental Flight Test Pilot to contribute to development and certification of widely used civil rotorcraft. You will plan, execute, and analyze flight tests, acting as PIC and leading test teams in complex projects.

The role requires substantial RW test pilot experience, FAA pilot certificates, and strong communication, risk management, and project leadership capabilities. Expect irregular hours and periodic travel as needed.

Qualifications

• SETP recognized test pilot school graduate or substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in related engineering field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years’ experience as an experimental RW test pilot.
• FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Second Class Medical.
• Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
• Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, able to work irregular hours and travel periodically.
• Proven self-starter with minimal supervision and strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
• Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports.
• Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs safely and efficiently.
• Ensure flight testing complies with department processes and SOPs for safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross-functional technical issues.
• Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program including plan reviews, flights, briefings, and readiness reviews.
• Interface with regulators (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) for flight test aspects of certification.
• Maintain required records and audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
• Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple aircraft types.

Skills

Flight test planning

Communication skills

Project management

Risk management

Microsoft Office

Engineering software tools

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California, is seeking an Experimental Flight Test Pilot to contribute to development and certification of widely used civil rotorcraft. You will plan, execute, and analyze flight tests, acting as PIC and leading test teams in complex projects.

The role requires substantial RW test pilot experience, FAA pilot certificates, and strong communication, risk management, and project leadership capabilities. Expect irregular hours and periodic travel as needed.