OverviewThe Flight
Test Engineer, Staff is a senior technical role responsible for the strategic
planning, execution, and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace
vehicles and systems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring
regulatory compliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to
the continuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical
authority, the Flight Test Engineer Staff provides mentorship and support to
junior and mid-level engineers and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success
of critical flight test operations.
Responsibilities- Lead the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
- Oversee test resource allocation, ensuring that personnel, instrumentation, and facilities are prepared and optimized for successful operations.
- Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
- Serve as the primary authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
- Act as a liaison between pilots, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing.
- Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
- Oversee post-test data analysis, focusing on critical parameters such as flight stability, control, performance, structural loads, and avionics functionality.
- Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
- Use advanced analytical tools and simulation software to validate test results, conduct predictive analysis, and inform decision-making.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
- Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
- Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
- Mentor junior and mid-level flight test engineers, sharing knowledge of best practices, methodologies, and analytical techniques.
- Lead technical review sessions, contributing expertise and guiding the team through complex engineering problems.
- Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
- Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
- Act as a subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.
- Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in flight testing, aerospace engineering, or an equivalent field, with demonstrated experience in complex test programs.
- Certification from an accredited test pilot school or advanced flight test training is highly preferred
- Deep expertise in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
- Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, and advanced analysis tools.
- Strong capabilities in simulation, modeling, and data processing tools
- Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
- Experience in advanced risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
- Proven leadership skills, with experience mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
- Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
- PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
- Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
- Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
- Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations
These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Pay RangeSalary Range: USD $124,388.16/Yr. - USD $186,582.23/Yr.
