Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Wisk Aero LLC; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible vacation time off

401(k) plan with 50% company matching

Free catered lunches

Flight lessons

Wellness allowances

Job summary

Wisk Aero LLC in Hollister, California is seeking a Senior Staff Test Pilot to join their team in testing and certifying all-electric aircraft. With responsibilities such as developing test plans, conducting flight tests, and mentoring fellow flight testers, this full-time role offers a salary range between $192,000 and $240,000, based on experience.

Wisk promotes a collaborative work environment and provides a comprehensive benefits package, including flexible vacation time and a 401(k) plan with company matching.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience as a test pilot in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft.
• Graduate of an engineering test pilot school or program.
• Experience conducting flight programs pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification.

Responsibilities

• Author air vehicle and subsystem test plans.
• Conduct flight test and safety chase.
• Mentor and lead fellow flight testers.

Skills

Test pilot experience

FAA Commercial Pilot certificate

2,500+ hours of flight experience

Exceptional communication skills

Experience with electric propulsion systems

Education

Bachelor’s of Science degree in relevant field

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

At Wisk, we’re transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all‑electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high‑impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we’re making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on! We are looking for a Senior Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all‑electric aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Author air vehicle and subsystem test plans.
• Evaluate hazards posed by the method and scope of test and establish appropriate mitigations.
• Conduct flight test and safety chase, piloting our general aviation support aircraft, our surrogate flying test beds, and our un‑crewed aircraft systems.
• Develop, review, and approve trajectory planning for our UAS mission profiles.
• Report test results to the standard required by certification authorities.
• Support development of program documentation including restrictions and special instructions to test, Aircraft Flight Manuals, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Mentor and lead fellow flight testers, supporting their professional development while exemplifying Wisk’s Safety Management System.

Qualifications

• 12+ years experience as a test pilot in flight testing fixed/rotary‑wing aircraft or similarly complex aerospace systems.
• FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing).
• Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate.
• Bachelor’s of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field.
• Graduate of an engineering test pilot school or program.
• Depth of experience with both Flight and Operations Safety Risk Management.
• Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design.
• Experience mission‑relating engineering data to operational use cases.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for multi‑disciplinary collaboration and mentoring.
• 2,500+ hours of flight experience, with 200+ hours in flight test.
• Experience conducting flight programs pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification.
• Unmanned aircraft flight test experience.
• Electric propulsion or high stored energy test experience.
• Both fixed‑wing and turbine‑engine rotary‑wing flight test experience.
• Human‑to‑vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
• Formal formation flight training and subsequent formation flight experience.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or technical field.
• Familiarity with MBSE processes.

Job Type & Compensation

Job Type: Full‑time
Pay range: $192,000–$240,000 per year. The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location and your relevant job‑related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Other benefits include:

• 9off Fridays for full‑time employees throughout the year
• Flexible vacation time off
• 11 company holidays
• 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately
• Commuter assistance
• Education assistance
• Free catered lunches
• Flight lessons
• Wellness allowances
• Snacks and drinks
• Employee referral bonus
• Charitable giving match
• Patent bonus program
• and more

EEO Statement

Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Wisk Aero is an E‑Verify employer.