Senior Flight Test Engineer
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 esteemed Client is an innovative aerospace research organization situated in Mojave, CA. We have gained recognition for developing groundbreaking aircraft, pushing boundaries, and setting records. We seek proactive individuals who strive to comprehend the company comprehensively, take full responsibility for their tasks, and generate ideas to enhance overall organization efficiency. In this fast-paced environment, emphasis is placed on sound judgment, quick thinking, and making substantial progress within tight deadlines.
The Senior Flight Test Engineer (FTE) at our Client's organization undertakes the role of a project test lead. The FTE collaborates with technical leaders and test pilots within the project to create and implement test plans. Coordination of schedules and logistics is essential with both internal and external entities. As with all positions within our organization, the primary goal is to do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of each program. FTEs will be assigned to assist one or more programs, with the level of support required determined by each program. Additionally, engineers who meet the basic requirements for this position but lack sufficient experience may avail of on-the-job training opportunities for internal development. This encompasses supporting UAVs, manned and unmanned test aircraft, and the creation of innovative, brand new manned aircraft.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Take on the role of test lead for developmental flight test programs, including the inaugural flights and expansion of unmanned and manned aircraft.
- Provide support for various Scaled flight test programs, including chase support and general FTE activities.
- Collaborate with design engineers, project leadership, and pilots to devise and design an efficient test concept that fulfills the customer's requirements.
- Devise tests, define test objectives, and determine instrumentation requirements to maximize test safety and efficiency.
- Compose and maintain the program test plan and program-specific emergency response plan.
- Generate test cards for various test events based on the test plan.
- Estimate the time, personnel, materials, and budget needed to execute the test program.
- Coordinate airport operations, emergency services, special use airspace, VHF frequencies, and telemetry frequencies as necessary for test events.
- Determine and communicate the necessary test infrastructure, staffing, and resources to both program and company leadership.
- Determine the required configuration for the test article and cooperate with project leadership to achieve the desired configuration.
- Assist responsible engineers in selecting instrumentation, constructing control room displays, and performing data analysis.
- Collect, post-process, and present test data to draw actionable technical conclusions.
- Responsible for planning and defining training for control room operations for programs requiring a control room.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum five years of pertinent flight test experience or graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
- Possess an engineering degree in aeronautical, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a similar technical discipline related to aircraft design, construction, and testing.
- Demonstrate multidisciplinary engineering literacy and capable of engaging with the design engineering team on a technical level.
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs with an aptitude for learning new software as required.
- Hold or be capable of obtaining and maintaining at least a Secret DOD clearance.
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Flying duties may require additional qualifications.
Essential Job Functions:
- Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Occasional lifting and/or moving of equipment and objects weighing up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
- Manual dexterity and coordination are necessary (e.g., to operate a computer keyboard).
- Visual acuity at close distances and the ability to adjust focus.
- Capability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
- Flying duties may require additional qualifications.