Production Flight Test Pilot Staff

Cirrus Aircraft; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 137,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employer-Paid Coverages

Flexible Spending Accounts

Well-being programs

401(k) Plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, MN asks for a Production Flight Test Pilot Staff to conduct flight tests for performance, functionality and safety of new or modified aircraft. You will execute test plans, document behavior, and support engineering and production teams.

The role requires 1,500+ hours PIC, FAA Commercial/ATP, 7+ years in engineering or A&P; expects teamwork, occasional travel, and ability to train others. Competitive pay and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college preferred.
• Minimum of 1500 hours PIC flight time.
• 7+ years of engineering experience or aircraft A&P experience preferred.
• Equivalent education/experience may be accepted.
• Experience in high-performance aircraft; aerobatics, tailwheel, or military flight a plus.
• Background in aviation maintenance, avionics, or similar technical experience is highly desired.
• FAA Commercial or ATP pilot's license with airplane single engine and instrument ratings; valid medical required.
• CFI/CFII is desired.
• Must work well in a team; weekend work may be required; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform preflight inspections, weight & balance computations, and performance calculations to ensure flight readiness.
• Evaluate weather conditions and aircraft status to determine safe go/no-go decisions.
• Pilot aircraft through flight tests to evaluate system operation, performance, handling, and stability.
• Observe instruments during test flights to evaluate performance.
• Gather data and document aircraft behavior to assist troubleshooting.
• Record and document all performance data and conditions that do not meet criteria.
• Comply with paperwork and Cirrus Design safety policies including PPE.
• May assist and train other test pilots as needed.
• Occasional overnight and international travel may be required; passport required or obtainable.

Skills

Pilot experience

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

The Production Flight Test Pilot Staff conducts flight tests to evaluate the performance, functionality, and safety of newly manufactured or modified aircraft. This role involves executing test plans, identifying and documenting aircraft behavior, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The position requires extensive knowledge of flight operations, aircraft systems, and test protocols, as well as the ability to provide detailed assessments to support engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform preflight inspections, weight & balance computations, and performance calculations to ensure aircraft flight readiness.
• Evaluate weather conditions, aircraft status, and other factors to determine a safe go, no/go decision while operating within Cirrus Flight Test safety policies.
• Pilot aircraft through a series of flight tests to evaluate system's operation, performance, handling, and stability to assure aircraft meets Type Design, FAA, and Cirrus Design quality requirements.
• Observe recording, measuring, and operating instruments and equipment during test flight to evaluate aircraft performance.
• Gather data points and document aircraft behavior to assist technicians in troubleshooting aircraft or system anomalies.
• Record and Document aircraft performance data. Record and Document all conditions that do not meet established criteria.
• Comply with all paperwork that governs job duties. Attention to detail is required.
• Comply with all Cirrus Design safety policies including the use of personal protective equipment. (i.e. flight suits, eye protection, etc.)
• May assist and explain job duties/responsibilities to others. May be required to provide initial and/or re-currency training to other test pilots.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university preferred.
• Minimum of 1500 hours PIC flight time.
• 7+ years of engineering experience or aircraft A&P mechanic experience prefered. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Experience in a variety of high-performance aircraft. Aerobatics, tailwheel, or military flight experience is a plus.
• A background in aviation maintenance, avionics, or similar technical experience is highly desired.
• Applicant must possess an FAA Commercial or ATP pilot's license with airplane single engine, and instrument ratings. A valid First- or Second-Class Medical is required. A CFI/CFII is desired.
• Must be able to work as part of a team as well as function individually. Weekend work may be required. May be assigned to different work areas/shifts as production needs require. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Occasional overnight and international travel may be required.
• Passport or ability to obtain a passport is required
• Candidate must be comfortable piloting non pressurized aircraft to high altitude.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.Cirrus is dedicated to a drug-free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Range

Salary Range: USD $137,059.46/Yr. - USD $205,589.19/Yr.

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