Program Manager, Flight Test

Insider, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 255,500; Full time

Job summary

Insider, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Flight Test Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and certification of flight test campaigns. This role is critical for ensuring safe and efficient operations. Responsibilities include managing flight test vehicles, coordinating with FAA, and overseeing complex logistics.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with 7+ years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management.
• Demonstrated experience with aircraft development programs.
• Deep understanding of FAA regulations and flight test risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of flight test campaigns.
• Serve as the primary interface between Flight Test and Design Engineering.
• Coordinate with the FAA and support certification activities.

Skills

Flight test operations

Project management

Communication skills

Time-management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Job description

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a seasoned Flight Test Program Manager to lead the planning, execution, and certification of our flight test campaigns. This role acts as the critical link between the design engineering teams, the flight operations crew, and regulatory authorities. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of flight test vehicles, ensuring that development and certification testing is conducted safely and efficiently. The position requires a deep understanding of flight test operations and advanced organization, communication, and time‑management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of flight test campaigns from initial ground runs and envelope expansion through final certification
• Serve as the primary interface between the Flight Test organization and Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams
• Develop, manage, and ensure compliance with flight test processes and procedures
• Oversee the configuration control of test vehicles, ensuring aircraft configuration and conformity align with specific test requirements
• Coordinate with the FAA and designated engineering representatives (DERs) to support Certification and Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) activities
• Manage external test site logistics, including remote deployments, hangar facilities, and airspace coordination

Program Management:

• Develop and maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for all flight test vehicles and assets
• Manage program budgets for flight operations, including instrumentation, maintenance, telemetry infrastructure, and external range costs
• Track and report flight test KPIs, such as sortie rates, test points efficiency, and aircraft availability
• Lead daily stand‑ups and weekly program reviews with cross‑functional stakeholders
• Identify critical path risks and implement recovery plans to mitigate schedule slips during testing delays
• Facilitate communication between technical teams and executive leadership regarding test campaign progress, technical challenges, and shifting priorities

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in flight test operations or flight test program management
• Demonstrated experience with aircraft development programs (Part 23 or Part 25 certification preferred)
• Deep understanding of FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 21 and flight test risk management (e.g., FAA Order 4040.26B)
• Strong proficiency in scheduling tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera, or Smartsheet) and issue tracking (Jira)
• Experience managing complex logistics, including aircraft maintenance and remote site operations

Bonus Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Flight Test Engineering or Business Administration
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School (TPS) short course or full curriculum
• Private Pilot License (PPL) or higher aviation certification
• Experience with eVTOL, fly‑by‑wire systems, or high‑voltage electric propulsion testing
• Experience with telemetry control room operations and real‑time monitoring tools

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay between $160,000 – $255,500. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job‑related knowledge, skills, level and experience.

Accommodations and Accessibility

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer’s People Team at [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

Visa Sponsorship

Archer is unable to provide work visa sponsorship for this position at the present time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.