Test Pilot

MightyFly; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MightyFly is seeking a Test Pilot to lead the flight test program for their experimental UAV aircraft. The role involves preparing aircraft for flight, conducting test flights, and cooperating with engineering teams for continuous improvement. Ideal candidates are commercial pilots with UAV experience, ready for exciting challenges in diverse settings.

Benefits

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.

Paid time off.

Stock option plan.

Complementary in office meals and snacks.

401k Plan.

Commuter benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience flying large UAVs or VTOL aircraft.
• Self-directed with the ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with FAA documentation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct flight tests as Pilot in Command, ensuring flight safety.
• Perform pre- and post-flight inspections of the UAV.
• Manage test site facility upkeep.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem Solving

Team leadership

Education

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

Part 107 Certificate

Job description

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As a Test Pilot you will own building out the core functions of the flight test program. Specifically, youwill prepare MightyFly’s experimental UAV aircraft for flight, conduct flight tests of the aircraft as the Pilot in Command, plan missions to support the flight test team, log flights, and provide debriefings to the team. As Test Pilot you are responsible for briefing crew members and maintaining flight safety. Other responsibilities include working with the team to prepare concepts of operations, coordinating activities with airport officials, conducting readiness assessment for future pilots, and support of our first pilot launch. At times there may also be opportunity to work with our engineering and build team providing input on design features and even helping to construct our airframe and subsystems.

For the majority of time, this position will be field work away from the office. Existing flight testing takes place at a small airport near Tracy, California with limited infrastructure. Demonstration tests will be conducted in other areas across the United States and you will be a key player in the logistics of those operations. Flight testing often requires early morning start times and work in challenging weather conditions but can be hugely satisfying and exciting.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Test Pilot you will own building out the core functions of the flight test program. Specifically, youwill prepare MightyFly’s experimental UAV aircraft for flight, conduct flight tests of the aircraft as the Pilot in Command, plan missions to support the flight test team, log flights, and provide debriefings to the team. As Test Pilot you are responsible for briefing crew members and maintaining flight safety. Other responsibilities include working with the team to prepare concepts of operations, coordinating activities with airport officials, conducting readiness assessment for future pilots, and support of our first pilot launch. At times there may also be opportunity to work with our engineering and build team providing input on design features and even helping to construct our airframe and subsystems.

For the majority of time, this position will be field work away from the office. Existing flight testing takes place at a small airport near Tracy, California with limited infrastructure. Demonstration tests will be conducted in other areas across the United States and you will be a key player in the logistics of those operations. Flight testing often requires early morning start times and work in challenging weather conditions but can be hugely satisfying and exciting.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Perform test flights from our ground station as the pilot in command of both BVLOS and VLOS flights
• Perform flight test activities including mission flight test planning, flight briefings, and flight test safety reviews
• Maintain/conduct pre- and post-flight inspection of the UAV
• Manage the upkeep of our test site facility
• Provide feedback to the software team by testing UI interfaces and running simulations of various real life conditions and simulated failures
• Familiarize yourself with aircraft performance in the simulator
• Work with the team to create the concept of operations and training manuals
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to perform, analyze, and conduct ground testing
• Contribute in the build of the MightyFly aircraft
• Help launch our pilot program
• Help with FAA documentation
• Help maintain the aircraft
  

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Technical

• Current Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
• Experience flying large UAVs or VTOL aircraft (more than 55 pounds)
• Part 107 Certificate
• Proficient with computers and high tech hardware and software
• Level of comfort with trailers, towing, and general automotive preventive and basic maintenance needs

General

• A personal drive to build systems from the ground up
• A strong interest for tackling and solving complex problems
• Self-directed with the ability to work and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail

Planning & Partnering

• Ability to plan and deliver on time
• Organizational skills
• Team leader and ability to work cross functionally

Nice to have

• Familiarity with aviation certification standards & processes
• Military service background piloting large scale UAV
• Flight instructional experience
• Experience working on electric and combustion engine aircraft
• Comfortable performing routine General Aviation (GA) maintenance
• 1+ year experience flying radio controlled (RC) model aircraft
  

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

MightyFly is only able to sponsor TN visas and H1B visa transfers for this position at the present time.

Equal opportunity

MightyFly is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Diversity

MightyFly values diversity and welcomes applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry. We are an international team led by a female CEO.

Job Location

• Tracy & Bay Area, CA

Culture

• We are aviation and aerospace enthusiasts who believe the sky isnotthe limit.
• Teamwork:We believe that to achieve great results we need great teamwork.
• Working hard:Building reliable aviation and logistics products is really hard but also exciting, challenging, and rewarding.
• Having fun:We believe that hard work needs to be coupled with fun. We love hanging out beyond the workday, hosting team dinners, and organizing fun activities. We love the outdoors and outdoor sports. And of course, we love flying.
• Celebrating wins large and small.
• Creativity:We love and encourage creativity. The best ideas emerge when our working environment fosters out-of-the-box thinking.
• Humility:Let’s leave the ego at the door so we can work together to create meaningful solutions.
• Equity, inclusivity, and respectfor the diversity of life and work experiences that each individual brings to the team.
• Transparency, honesty, and integrity.

Benefits

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Stock option plan.
• Complementary in office meals and snacks
• 401k Plan
• Commuter benefits

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage

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