Senior Manager of Production Flight Test

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

401(k) Plan with company match

PTO and paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a Senior Manager of Production Flight Test to lead all flight testing activities for production aircraft. You will define strategy, set KPIs, and drive improvements while ensuring regulatory compliance and safe, efficient operations.

The role oversees flight test managers, pilots, and technicians and partners with engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance to integrate flight testing into production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 10+ years in flight testing or relevant leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of flight test principles, regulations, and industry best practices
• Proven leadership and ability to manage diverse teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement
• Data-driven decision making and strategic thinking

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a strategic vision for the production flight test organization
• Define key performance metrics and targets for flight-testing operations
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes and capabilities
• Provide leadership and mentorship to flight test managers, pilots, technicians, and staff
• Set clear expectations and allocate resources to meet objectives
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and flight operations
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of flight test programs for production aircraft
• Ensure flight test plans comply with regulations and company standards

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

The Senior Manager (Sr. Mgr.) of Production Flight Test is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of flight-testing activities related to the production of aircraft. Reporting to the Executive Director, Engineering Flight Test, the Sr. Mgr. provides strategic direction, guidance, and oversight to ensure that flight testing operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This individual overseas the flight test manager and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to support the successful transition of aircraft from production to operational use.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a strategic vision for the production flight test organization, aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Define key performance metrics and targets to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of flight-testing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, procedures, and capabilities within the production flight test organization.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the flight test managers, pilots, technicians, and support staff.
• Set clear expectations, goals, and priorities for the team, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support operational objectives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the production flight test organization.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of flight test programs to support the production of aircraft.
• Ensure that flight test plans and schedules are developed and executed in accordance with regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and company standards.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and issues and implement corrective actions as needed to ensure the successful completion of flight test activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, flight operations, and other cross-functional teams to support the integration of flight test activities into the production process.
• Provide input and guidance on flight test considerations during design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, and other key decision-making forums.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and certification agencies to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for executive leadership and other stakeholders on matters related to production flight test operations.
• Communicate regularly with key stakeholders to provide updates on flight test programs, progress, and results.
• Address stakeholder concerns and ensure that their expectations are effectively managed and met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years, experience in flight testing or applicable experience, including experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• In-depth knowledge of flight test principles, procedures, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven track record of driving continuous improvement and achieving results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think strategically, analyze complex issues, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

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

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!

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 $156,592.67/Yr. - USD $234,889.00/Yr.

Sign On Bonus