Production Flight Test Director

Cirrus Aircraft Ltd.; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employer-Paid Coverage: life and disab

401(k) Plan with match

Well-being programs and EAP

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and career dev

Job summary

Cirrus Aircraft Ltd. in Duluth, MN, seeks a Senior Manager of Production Flight Test to lead all flight-test activities for production aircraft. You will set strategic direction, define KPIs, and supervise flight test managers, pilots, and technicians, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, QA, and operations to integrate flight testing into the production process and continuously improve capabilities and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 10+ years in flight testing or related leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of flight test principles, procedures, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong leadership and management skills to lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across levels.
• Data-driven decision making and strategic thinking.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a strategic vision for the production flight test organization.
• Define KPIs and targets for flight-testing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the production flight test organization.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to flight test managers, pilots, technicians, and staff.
• Set clear team goals and allocate resources effectively.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of flight test programs.
• Ensure flight test plans comply with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, QA, and flight operations.
• Interface with regulatory authorities and report to executive leadership.

Skills

Flight testing

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic thinking

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Cirrus Aircraft Ltd. in Duluth, MN, seeks a Senior Manager of Production Flight Test to lead all flight-test activities for production aircraft. You will set strategic direction, define KPIs, and supervise flight test managers, pilots, and technicians, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery.

You will collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, QA, and operations to integrate flight testing into the production process and continuously improve capabilities and performance.