Staff Flight Test Engineer
$173,700–$219,000 year
On-siteHollister, California, United States or Marina, California, United States
Job Summary
Manage the flight test program in assigned technical areas by developing detailed test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft and executing testing as a crewmember. Provide mentorship to junior engineers, conduct post-flight data analysis, and perform engineering analysis to support aircraft design and certification deliverables. Collaborate with system designers to develop test procedures, lead troubleshooting investigations, and create flight manuals and supporting documentation. Report on completed tests, including deficiencies and compliance findings, while advising the flight test pilot on real-time data for safety decisions. Complete administrative tasks such as configuration management and squawk reporting. Requires 10+ years of experimental flight test experience, 30% travel, and ability to work extended hours. Based in Marina or Hollister, CA.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
- A minimum of 10 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
- At least 30% travel required
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in managing a technical team
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent, or on-the-job experience
- Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
- Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
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