Job SummaryThe Senior Flight Test Engineer is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for new or modified aerospace vehicles and systems. This role involves overseeing test programs, ensuring safety and compliance, and working closely with cross-functional teams to advance aircraft performance, reliability, and safety. The Senior Flight Test Engineer is expected to provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and play a critical role in high-stakes, complex testing environments.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions - Lead the development, execution, and documentation of comprehensive flight test plans, aligning with project goals, regulatory standards, and safety protocols.
- Define test objectives, requirements, and success criteria for complex flight test activities.
- Ensure all necessary resources, including personnel, instrumentation, and test environments, are in place for successful test execution.
- Supervise and coordinate real-time flight test operations in collaboration with pilots, test conductors, and ground support teams.
- Act as the primary point of contact for monitoring and adjusting test conditions to ensure data integrity and safety.
- Make real-time decisions based on test data and adjust procedures as necessary to achieve test objectives.
- Lead the analysis of flight test data, focusing on critical performance areas such as stability, control, aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural loads.
- Provide detailed technical reports that summarize test results, analyze discrepancies, and propose engineering solutions or design changes.
- Utilize advanced analytical tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink) to validate data and create performance models.
- Diagnose and resolve technical issues that arise during test programs, coordinating with engineering teams to implement corrective actions.
- Provide recommendations for design or process improvements based on test findings and technical analysis.
- Contribute to root cause analyses for test anomalies and develop solutions to prevent future occurrences.
- Ensure all test activities comply with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and organizational protocols.
- Conduct risk assessments and implement safety mitigations, collaborating with safety officers and regulatory bodies as necessary.
- Maintain an ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of safety and risk management within the team.
- Mentor and guide junior flight test engineers, providing technical advice, best practices, and oversight on complex tasks.
- Lead technical reviews, participate in project planning, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Act as a subject matter expert in flight testing for cross-functional teams, management, and clients as needed.
QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in flight test engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- Expertise in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion, and aircraft systems.
- Proficiency with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis tools.
- Advanced analytical skills with experience in modeling and simulation software
- Deep understanding of industry regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA, and MIL-STD standards).
- Experience in risk assessment, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
CompetenciesTo perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Persuasive
- Interpersonal Savvy
- Manages Ambiguity
- Organizational Savvy
- Manages Complexity
Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
- 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
- Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
- Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
- Generous PTO: 120 hours accrued within the first year.
- Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
- Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
- 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 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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