Staff Production Flight Test Pilot

Pilot Assessments; Duluth, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Employer-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

HSA contributions

Parental leave

Job summary

Pilot Assessments is seeking a Staff Production Flight Test Pilot based in Duluth, MN. The role focuses on conducting rigorous production and post-mod flight tests to verify performance, safety, and system functionality in line with design standards. Strong judgment for go/no-go decisions is essential.

Candidates should bring 1,500+ PIC hours, an FAA CPL/ATP with appropriate ratings, and a current medical. Travel and variable shifts are expected as production needs arise.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1,500 hours PIC.
• FAA CPL or ATP (Restricted or Unrestricted) with airplane single-engine and instrument ratings.
• Current First- or Second-Class Medical.
• Demonstrated judgment in go/no-go decision-making and precise execution of test profiles.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Willingness to work variable shifts/weekends and fly non-pressurized aircraft to high altitude.
• Ability to travel overnight and internationally; passport required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct production and post-mod flight tests verifying performance and safety against design standards.
• Make sound go/no-go decisions after assessing weather, aircraft status, and test objectives.
• Plan and fly test profiles; execute system checks and handling evaluations across the envelope.
• Perform preflight inspections, weight-and-balance computations, and performance calculations.
• Operate test instrumentation; observe, measure, and document aircraft behavior.
• Provide troubleshooting input to engineering and production teams.
• Complete paperwork, logs, and conformity records accurately and on time.
• Uphold safety practices and PPE; support continuous improvement.
• Assist teammates and provide training to other test pilots as assigned.
• Support schedule needs, including weekend/shift work and travel.

Skills

PIC hours

FAA CPL or ATP

First/Second-Class Medical

Go/No-Go decision making

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 7+ years relevant experience

Job description

What you’ll do

• Conduct production and post-mod flight tests verifying performance, systems functionality, handling qualities, stability, and safety against Type Design, FAA, and Cirrus design quality standards.
• Make sound go/no-go decisions under Cirrus Flight Test safety policies after assessing weather, aircraft status, maintenance actions, and test objectives.
• Plan and fly test profiles; execute system checks, performance points, and handling evaluations across the envelope, including high-altitude operations in non-pressurized aircraft.
• Perform thorough preflight inspections, weight-and-balance computations, and performance calculations to establish aircraft readiness.
• Operate calibrated test instrumentation; observe, measure, and capture data; document aircraft behavior and any deviations from acceptance criteria.
• Provide clear troubleshooting inputs to engineering, avionics, and production technicians; support resolution of system or aircraft anomalies.
• Complete all required paperwork, logs, and conformity/acceptance records accurately and on time.
• Uphold safety best practices and required PPE; contribute to a just culture and continuous improvement.
• Assist teammates and, when assigned, deliver initial or recurrent training to other test pilots.
• Perform other duties as assigned and support schedule needs, including weekend/shift work and occasional domestic/international travel.

What you bring

• Minimum 1,500 hours PIC.
• FAA CPL or ATP (Restricted or Unrestricted) with airplane single-engine and instrument ratings.
• Current First- or Second-Class Medical.
• Demonstrated judgment in go/no-go decision-making and precise execution of test profiles.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Willingness to work variable shifts/weekends based on production demand; ability to fly non-pressurized aircraft to high altitude.
• Ability to travel overnight and internationally; able to obtain and hold a valid passport.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or 7+ years of relevant engineering or aircraft A&P mechanic experience.
• Background in high-performance aircraft; aerobatic, tailwheel, military flight, aviation maintenance, avionics, or similar technical experience highly valued.
• Instructor credentials desired: CFI/CFII.
• Prior production or developmental flight test experience with structured data capture and reporting.

Benefits and perks

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with dependent options.
• Employer-paid group-term life, plus short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and HSA with company contributions.
• Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives.
• 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days; full vesting after one year.
• PTO starting with 100 accrued hours in the first year, plus paid holidays.
• Two weeks paid parental leave, funeral leave, and jury-duty leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Cirrus Store, partner, and marketplace discounts, plus company and employee clubs.

Your impact

As a Staff Production Flight Test Pilot, you are the final, critical voice confirming that every aircraft leaving the line meets its design intent and safety standards. Your data, judgment, and mentorship elevate product quality and customer confidence with every flight.