Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal
$170,145–$255,217 year
On-site · Duluth, Minnesota, United States
Job Summary
The Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal is a senior technical role responsible for strategic planning, execution, and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles. The role includes ensuring regulatory compliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and improving testing methodologies. The position requires expertise in experimental flight testing, collaboration with teams, generating technical reports, and fostering a safety culture. Key qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, extensive flight test experience, proven leadership skills, and strong understanding of flight systems and safety protocols. Responsibilities encompass acting as a primary pilot authority, conducting tests, and providing training.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years experimental flight test experience
- 7 years flight test pilot experience
- Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hour in the last 12 months
- Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems
- Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols
- Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs
- Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
Desired Qualifications
- Previous turbojet type rating preferred
- Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred
- Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience
- FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience preferred
Additional Requirements
- 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
Apply with one swipe on Sorce. We auto-fill applications and apply on your behalf — no cover letters, no 40-minute forms.
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.