Section Chief - Flight Test Engineer

Bombardier Transportation GmbH; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement savings plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Bombardier Transportation GmbH in Wichita, KS seeks a Job Section Chief - Flight Test Engineer to lead the Flight Test Engineers within the BFTC Flight Operations group. The role includes coaching, onboarding and prioritizing daily operations, while ensuring compliance with FAA/Transport Canada standards and safety policies.

You will plan and execute flight tests on experimental aircraft, develop testing tools, and collaborate with multiple disciplines to deliver high‑quality data and reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering discipline or equivalent flight test experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of aerospace experience; product development and training will be provided prior to scheduled flight crew duties.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of Flight Test Engineers within the BFTC Flight Operations group including coaching, mentoring and developing the ongoing performance management process.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding and training of new team members.
• Manage priority calls within the team to support daily operations.
• Develop and govern policy and procedures related to flight test safety and effectiveness; drive continuous improvement (KPIs).
• Develop tools to support Flight Operations (dispatch and safety); ensure compliance with Regulatory and Quality standards.
• Plan, readiness, execution and reporting of tests, including flying onboard experimental aircraft as a crewmember.
• Operate cabin experimental provisions and test instrumentation; document tests and post-flight reports.
• Coordinate test aircraft and experimental equipment configuration; design safety-critical real-time displays and risk mitigation procedures.
• Coordinate with other disciplines; ensure proper test documentation and testing strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Aviation experience

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Job description

At Bombardier, we design, build and maintain the world’s peak-performing aircraft for the world’s most discerning people and businesses, governments and militaries. We have been successful in setting the highest standards by putting our people at the heart of it all, and defining excellence, together.

Working at Bombardier means operating at the highest level. Every day, you are part of a team that delivers superior experiences and products, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry and beyond. By prioritizing employee growth and development, we empower everyone to reach their full potential on their own terms, because the best work happens when you are free to be yourself and share your unique expertise.

With our employees’ well-being top of mind, we offer a comprehensive and competitive Benefits Program, which includes the following:

• Insurance plans (Dental, medical, life insurance, disability, and more)
• Retirement savings plan
• Employee Assistance Program

What are your contributions to the team?

• Direct Supervision of Flight Test Engineers within the BFTC Flight Operations group including:
  • Coaching, Mentoring and Development and conduct of the ongoing performance management process to ensure a positive working environment
  • Participate in recruitment, onboarding and training of new team members
  • Management of priority calls within the team to support the needs of daily operations
• Development and Governance of policy and procedures related to conduct of safe and effective flight test including:
  • Driving Continuous Improvement activities including development and monitoring of relevant KPIs
  • Development of tools to support the needs of Flight Operations (to include dispatch and safety)
  • Ensuring compliance with all Regulatory and Quality standards by all team members
• Daily duties will also include test planning, readiness, execution and reporting, including but not exclusive to the following:
  • Flying onboard experimental aircraft as a crewmember following appropriate training.
  • Operating all cabin experimental provisions and mission specific test instrumentation, while conducting tests and recording results.
  • Communication and coordination of efforts relating to testing activities with all other disciplines
  • Test documentation and reporting, including technical review and generation of test plans, instructions, test limitations and post flight reports
  • Coordination of test aircraft and experimental equipment configuration for test.
  • Design and development of safety critical real time data displays and derived parameters
  • Proper use of safety and risk mitigation procedures as defined by company policies, and compliance with FAA and Transport Canada Regulations

How to thrive in this role?

• The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline or have previous experience within a flight test engineering organization. In addition a minimum of ten (10) years of aerospace experience is desired. Product specific development and training will be provided prior to being scheduled for regular flight crew duties.
• Previous flying experience (pilot or other crew member) is a strong asset but is not considered essential.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of individuals, departments and organizations. Strong leadership qualities and communication skills, both verbal and written are an asset.
• Demonstrated capacity to prioritize, manage and absorb large quantities of data and information.
• Ability to work with a variety of IT tools and equipment is required, with experience in the uses of programming for automation and workload reduction an asset.
• The flight test environment may require irregular work hours (including weekends on occasion) and will require travel.
• Flight test engineers must be able to obtain maintain an FAA Class 3 Medical Certificate or equivalent.
• Previous experience with Bombardier flight test procedures and requirements, along with familiarity with Part 25 (or equivalent) certification processes and procedures is an asset.
• Must be able to participate in ITAR or CGP controlled programs (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Bombardier is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, National, or Local Laws.

Job Section Chief - Flight Test Engineer

Primary Location Wichita, ADMN / MFG, Learjet

Shift

Employee Status Regular