Aviation Testing Specialist

Category: Flight Operations

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: Secret

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching

Summary:

Our Client, an innovative aerospace research company based in Mojave, CA, is seeking an Aviation Testing Specialist. We are widely recognized for developing unique aircraft with groundbreaking capabilities. We seek individuals who are self-motivated, take initiative in their work, and contribute new ideas to improve the overall efficiency of the company. This is a fast-paced research and development environment that requires good judgment, quick thinking, and the ability to deliver results within tight deadlines.

As a Flight Test Engineer (FTE), you may act as a project test lead or provide support to a project test lead. In this role, you will collaborate with project leadership and pilots to design and implement test plans. You will also coordinate schedules and logistics with internal and external organizations. Flexibility is key as your responsibilities will vary depending on the program you are assigned to. There are opportunities for internal development through on-the-job training for engineers who meet the basic requirements of the position but require additional experience. This includes supporting UAVs, manned and unmanned test aircraft, and new clean sheet manned aircraft.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide support to various flight test programs, including chase support and general FTE activities.
• Collaborate with design engineers, project leadership, and pilots to define efficient and achievable test concepts that meet customer needs.
• Design tests, establish test objectives, and specify instrumentation requirements to ensure test safety and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain program test plans and program-specific emergency response plans.
• Create test cards for test events based on the test plan.
• Estimate the time, personnel, materials, and budget required to execute test programs.
• Coordinate airport operations, emergency services, special use airspace, VHF frequencies, and telemetry frequencies as needed for test events.
• Define and communicate the required test infrastructure, staffing, and resources to program and company leadership.
• Ensure the test article is in the appropriate configuration by coordinating with project leadership.
• Assist responsible engineers in selecting instrumentation, building control room displays, and conducting data analysis.
• Collect, post-process, and present test data in order to draw actionable technical conclusions.

Required Qualifications:

• Possess a degree in aeronautical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a similar technical foundation related to aircraft design, build, and test.
• Have a strong understanding of multiple engineering disciplines and the ability to engage with design engineering teams on a technical level.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to make sound decisions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and capable of learning new software as needed.
• Hold or be eligible to obtain and maintain at least a Secret DOD clearance.
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Flying duties may have additional requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to move around and perform tasks that require bending and reaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of equipment and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and coordination, including proficiency in operating a computer keyboard.
• Ability to see at close distances and adjust focus.
• Capability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Flying duties may have additional requirements.

Salary: $63,840.00-$142,440.00