Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot

Garmin Ltd.; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Garmin Ltd. is seeking a full-time Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot in Salem, OR. The role involves executing flight tests, developing test plans, and ensuring compliance with certification processes. Candidates need at least 1,500 flight hours in rotorcraft, a relevant engineering degree, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities include acting as Pilot in Command, managing flight test data, and contributing to flight manuals. This position is part of Garmin's benefits program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field with 1 year of experience.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft required).
• Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time required.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft during flight tests.
• Drafts ground and flight test plans and reports.
• Operates data collection systems and processes flight test data.

Skills

Flight test techniques

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Certification processes understanding

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Data collection systems

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a full-time Rotorcraft Flight Test Pilot in our Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for performing simple and moderately complex flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans, serving as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, operating data collection systems and post processes flight data, developing a thorough understanding of the system under test, and applying understanding of certification processes and regulations. Keep in mind this position requires a minimum of 1500 flight hours in rotorcraft (helicopter) in addition to an engineering degree and relatable experience.

Essential Functions

• Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with minor changes to certificate design and conducts simple, low-risk flight tests
• May act as Flight Test Project Lead for simple projects
• Drafts ground and flight test plans and reports for simple and moderately complex test programs derived from previous programs
• Leverages understanding of operational characteristics of the system under development/test to contribute to system design
• Understands/able to maintain basic test aircraft configurations/coordinates with engineering teams
• Able to operate data collection systems and post process flight test data
• Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including basic troubleshooting and coordination with aircraft maintenance
• Contributes meaningful content and review to flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
• Identifies issues during flight test and verifies that issues identified during flight test are resolved
• Leverages basic understanding of certification process and associated regulations in review of certification plans for basic certification projects
• Offers suggestions to improve processes and the safety of the flight test organization
• Provides reliable solutions to variety of problems using sound problem solving techniques and applies a sense of urgency, commitment and focus on the right priorities in developing solutions timely

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Computer Engineering AND a minimum of 1 year relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
• Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft required)
• 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
• Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
• Demonstrates basic understanding of certification processes and associated regulations
• Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrates the capability to perform moderately complex troubleshooting & debugging

Desired Qualifications

• Aerodynamic or aeronautical knowledge of how aircraft systems are designed
• Accustomed to Crew Resource Management
• Demonstrates basic understanding of system safety analysis
• Previous experience in systems engineering or software development

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: