Principal Flight Test Pilot

Overview

The Flight Test Pilot, Principalis a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution,and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles andsystems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatorycompliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to thecontinuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority,the Flight Test Pilot Principle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success ofcritical flight test operations. This role requires expertise inexperimental flight testing to support aircraft development and regulatorycompliance.

Responsibilities

• Acts as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides technical oversight of all platform flight test projects.
• Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.
• Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects.
• Leads the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
• Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary pilot 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 the Engineering Flight Test team, 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.
• Participate in test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight.
• Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
• 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.
• 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 pilot 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.
• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

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 hours in the last 12 months.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude and flexibility in dynamic test program environment.

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!

Other DutiesPlease note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug-free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity.  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.

Pay Range

Salary Range: USD $170,145.26/Yr. - USD $255,217.88/Yr.

Sign On Bonus

Compensation: 170145.26 to 255217.88 (USD)