Senior Manager of Production Flight Test

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Cirrus is seeking a Senior Manager, Production Flight Test to lead the flight test organization in producing aircraft safely and efficiently. You will set strategic direction, oversee flight test plans, and ensure regulatory compliance while guiding flight test managers, pilots, and technicians.

The role requires 10+ years in flight testing or related leadership, with a strong track record in continuous improvement and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years in flight testing or related leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of flight test principles, regulations, and industry best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic vision for production flight test organization.
• Define KPIs and targets for flight-testing operations.
• Lead continuous improvement and mentor flight test managers, pilots, and technicians.
• Ensure flight test plans comply with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate flight test activities into production.

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

• 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.