Test Pilot - Scaled Composites

Test Pilot, Scaled Composites

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

Click Here to apply!

Summary:

Scaled Composites is a fast-paced aerospace research company located in Mojave, CA. We are known for crafting-of-a-kind, proof-of-concept, and record setting aircraft. We look for self-starters who strive to understand the company as a whole, take ownership of their tasking, and are idea generators to progress efficiency for the overall sake of the company. This research and development environment focuses on good judgement, quick thinking, and forward progression in a short timeframe.

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems within a fast-paced design and prototyping environment. Your extensive experience and sound judgment will guide you in planning and achieving objectives. Building and maintaining strong relationships in the organization will be essential to your success.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Piloting multiple experimental aircraft as well as chase, pace, photo, and target aircraft.
  • Writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports.
  • Leading / participating in system design and reviews as Project Pilot, in alignment with your prior engineering experience.
  • Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and components, given system requirements.
  • Leading and/or participating in ground and flight test events as Test Crew Member or Test Conductor.
  • Creating and/or updating Pilot Operating Handbooks to include development of normal and emergency procedures.
  • Participating in preflight and post flight briefings; and documenting test results.
  • Maintaining flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.

Required Qualifications:

  • FAA Commercial Single and Multi‐Engine Land pilots license with Instrument Rating; additional ratings and Type Ratings, including CFI S/MEL and CFII, highly preferred.
  • FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a FAA Class II medical certificate.
  • Minimum of 1000+ hours total PIC flight time, to include recip and turbine time.
  • Full course test pilot school graduate or equivalent training and experience.
  • Minimum of 250+ hours, or 30 test sorties, of actual developmental and/or experimental flight test time documented.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design and construction.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance and program access.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledgeable of Federal Aviation Regulations for flight operations and aircraft certification.
  • Great verbal and written communication skills.
  • Great interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Great sales and customer service skills.
  • Great organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Great time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with emphasis on engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to work autonomously, as well as in a team setting.
  • Ability to travel occasionally on project aircraft trips.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Must have the ability to work in cramped, confined cockpit environments in both hot and cold environments for up to 8 hours with limited movement.
  • Able to operate cockpit flight controls with center stick, yoke and side stick.
  • Able to push rudder up to 150 lbs., elevator forces up to 150 lbs., and aileron forces up to 90 lbs.
  • Must be able to enter and exit cockpit areas up to 4 feet off the ground.
  • Must be able to work in a high stress environment when required.
  • Occasional lifting up to 50+ lbs, with assistance.
  • Standing 60% of the day.
  • Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for an assigned task.
  • Occasional work with composite materials such as epoxy resin systems, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam/core products. Will also work closely with chemicals, such as acetone and alcohol.
  • May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate a computer keyboard).
  • Work on varied work surfaces/environments, including but not limited to working in a busy shop environment, cold room, or in/on aircraft structures including raised platforms including but not limited to ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
  • Work may be performed inside or outside of buildings. May be exposed to changing weather conditions (i.e. article or aircraft testing operations).
  • Must be able to pass and maintain ‘pass’ status on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) in order to wear a respirator for prolonged periods of time.
  • Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen).
  • Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to write for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time.
  • May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc.
  • Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds.
  • Ability to converse and communicate information with others.
  • Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration.
  • Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis.
  • Must have sufficient agility to work in the interior of an aircraft structure. Will need to bend, stoop, squat, and/or kneel to occasionally work in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
  • Must be able to read and understand SDS.

Annual Salary: $160,960.00 - $241,440.00

Scaled Composites is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual

 posted 27 March 2025

Senior Test Pilot & Staff Flight Test Engineer - Wisk Aero

Senior Test Pilot
CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Hollister, CA
Departments – Flight Test & Ops /Full Time /On-site
At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
 
We are looking for a Senior Test Pilot to join us in testing and certifying a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of the Flight Test team, you will be working closely with other Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the certification group to validate and verify a revolutionary new aircraft design. 
 
Wisk recognizes the challenges that the UAM industry faces with regards the certification path for our vehicles. We are taking a pragmatic approach to this task and consequently are looking for experienced flight test personnel to join our talented team to make the certification process as efficient and effective as possible. 
 
Your role will involve developing test plans following SMS processes to complete Test Hazard Analyses . You will support test program scheduling, participate in flight test execution as a Test Pilot, and write test reports to a standard required by certification authorities. You will also support writing and updating program documents including Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.
 
Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity. You will be required to work from our Hollister office.
 

Requirements:

    • 5+ years experience as a test pilot or flight test engineer in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft or similar complex aerospace systems.
    • FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing)
    • Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate
    • Bachelors of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field 
    • Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design early, rather than identifying problems later in the development process.

Desired:

    • Experience conducting flight test on program pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification
    • Unmanned aircraft flight test experience
    • Electric Propulsion test experience
    • Both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing flight test experience
    • Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience
    • Formal formation flying training
    • Masters degree in a relevant engineering or technical field
    • Familiarity with MBSE processes
$135,000 - $158,800 a year
 
Compensation and Benefits:
In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.  
 
Job Type: Full-time
Pay Range the Company expects to pay: $135,000 - $158,800 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
 
 
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage  individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We consider  every candidate who shares our passion for making the impossible possible, even if they may not strictly meet all preferred requirements. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.
 
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
 
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
 
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.
 

Staff Flight Test Engineer
CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Hollister, CA
Departments – Flight Test & Ops /Full Time /On-site
At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
 
We are looking for a Staff Flight Test Engineer to join our team. The goal of a Staff Flight Test Engineer at Wisk is to ensure that we safely and efficiently flight test and certify a new class of all-electric aircraft. You will be part of the Flight Test Operations team that works closely with Certification, Instrumentation, Quality, Integration, and across all disciplines of engineering to perform developmental and certification flight tests.
 
Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity. You will be required to work from our Hollister, CA office.
 
In this role you will interpret certification requirements, identify applicable industry guidance, and apply your knowledge of Wisk’s complex flight control, electric propulsion and avionics systems to determine relevant test objectives and conditions to show compliance to the certification authority. You will develop test procedures, data analysis methods, and write test plans which will demonstrate compliance with certification requirements. 
 

What you will do:

    • As part of the Flight Test Operations organization, you will act as a Staff Flight Test Engineer for a novel type of aircraft development targeting the autonomous UAM market.
    • You will support Integrated Product Teams, Engineering, Wisk Certification, and Marketing with data collection and flight operations as we demonstrate and validate our air vehicle.
    • You will help coordinate Flight Test Instrumentation, data collection, and ground support equipment requirements for test programs.
    • You will take part in an Enterprise Safety Management System while conducting Safety Risk Management to support safe and effective flight test operations.
    • You will plan, author, and execute Flight Test Plans, along with First Flight and Test Readiness Reviews, while performing as Test Conductor, Support Engineer, Visual Observer, and other test crew roles.
    • As a Staff Flight Test Engineer, you will help define our Certification Basis and Plan, ensuring regulatory compliance while, at times, working closely with regulatory authorities.

Requirements:

    • Requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.
    • You have worked in Flight Test Engineering, authoring flight test plans and reports, on fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft and are familiar with FAA Order 4040.26B, ARP4754A.  
    • You have a deep and applied knowledge of complex flight control systems, flight test instrumentation, aircraft handling qualities, electrical systems, and other flight test engineering disciplines.
    • Preferably, you have hands-on experience participating in Type Certification or Supplemental Type Certification program
    •  You are familiar with managing aircraft configuration, deficiencies, limitations and restrictions in a test environment. 
$171,000 - $201,200 a year
 
Compensation and Benefits:
In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.  
 
Job Type: Full-time
Pay Range the Company expects to pay: $171,000 - $201,200 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
 
 
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage  individuals from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized or underrepresented groups in the tech industry and aerospace, to apply for our job openings. We consider  every candidate who shares our passion for making the impossible possible, even if they may not strictly meet all preferred requirements. We firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives can profoundly influence both our product and our company culture.
 
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
 
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
 
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.
posted 18 March 2025

Mission Systems Instructor/SME - ABSI Aerospace & Defense

Mission Systems Instructor/SME

 

Location: Edwards AFB, CA

US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes

Clearance Type: Active Top Secret/SCI with ability to obtain SAP

Work Schedule: Full Time or Part Time

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Positions Supervised: None

Travel: Occasional

Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000 per year

Apply Online at: https://absidefense.bamboohr.com/careers/158?source=aWQ9OA%3D%3D

 

DESCRIPTION:

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an innovative small business headquartered in the St Mary’s County Innovation District located in Southern Maryland. At its core, ABSI is a technical solutions company committed to rapidly delivering emerging technologies and providing expert advice and support that create asymmetric advantages for our customers. This is only made possible by employing and retaining world-class subject matter experts and personnel equally committed to our mission. To support our workforce, ABSI offers highly competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, excellent benefits, instant 401K vesting and a full cafeteria plan that employees can tailor to their individual needs.

We are currently seeking highly qualified applicants to work with the US Air Force Test Pilot School, specifically supporting development and delivery of the Mission Systems portion of the USAF Test Pilot Schold curriculum. This in-residence course is offered twice each year with dedicated facilities onboard Edwards AFB. The curriculum includes specialized education for future flight and space test professionals in topics including weapons systems, electro-optics, radar, electronic warfare, communications systems and other elements of modern aircraft and space vehicles.

Instructors should have DoD Test and Evaluation experience, flight test or space system test experience preferred.  Instructors will work on-site at Edwards AFB coordinating, developing, and delivering classroom instruction and hands-on exercises to meet course learning objectives. Specialized knowledge and experience in the areas of test planning, test conduct, and test reporting are needed as well as experience in one or more specialized disciplines such as radar, electro-optics, communications, weapons integration, software development and test or cyber security. Experience with Space Systems is desired. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Mission Systems Instructor/SME will be responsible for:

  • Leverage experience to provide advice and guidance to the Mission Systems Technical Expert and act on his/her behalf during periods of absence.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and analysis to develop and deliver comprehensive and engaging classroom, laboratory, and open-air instruction, focusing on topics such as optical sensors, radar, communications systems, electronic warfare, weapons, cyber security/operations, etc.
  • Collaborate with curriculum development team to update and enhance the mission systems curriculum, ensuring its alignment with current flight and space technology and operational practices
  • Coordinate with customer to ensure course logistical and administrative support requirements are planned and executed for each class
  • Develop and administer evaluations and assessments to gauge student progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide constructive feedback to facilitate their growth and development
  • Perform other duties as assigned

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in an engineering or scientific discipline with at least 8 years of experience with test and evaluation (Bachelors degree with additional experience may be considered)
  • Thorough working knowledge of DoD Test and Evaluation within major acquisition programs
  • Demonstrated experience in the development and application of test measures and test techniques
  • Instructional experience
  • Expertise in Mission Systems, preferably within both space and flight domains.
  • Relevant experience supporting test of space or air systems as an engineer, analyst, or operator
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communications skills and experience/comfort briefing all levels of personnel

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Test Pilot School graduates (USAF, USN, Empire, or EPNER) highly preferred
  • Space related experience
  • Experience providing professional instruction at an educational institution
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based collaborative resources such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams

ABSI Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: ABSI is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ABSI are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ABSI will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

 

Posted 6 January 2025

Test Pilot - Volocopter

Test Pilot (m/f/d)

Location: Otto-Lilienthal-Weg 3, 76646 Bruchsal, Germany 

Type: Full-time – Unlimited contract

Company Description

Here at Volocopter, we are the pioneers of electric air taxis (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft - eVTOLs). We have pledged to bring sustainable urban air mobility to life by getting electric air taxis off the ground in a way that complements existing transportation options in megacities across the globe. In 2011 we carried out the first-ever crewed flight of a fully electric multicopter and have since conducted more than 2,000 public and private test flights across the world www.volocopter.com

Job Description

Your mission during this flight:

As a Test Pilot, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our flight operations. You will be responsible for conducting safe flights as assigned by the Chief Test Pilot (CTP), adhering to all flight test procedures and limitations imposed by test plans and valid Flight Test (FT) approvals.

- Conduct safe flights as assigned by CTP.

- Execute tests and report on test & evaluation assignments for Flight Test & Operations.

- Adhere to the Flight Test Operations Manual.

- Support Flight Test program planning.

- Provide Flight Test Subject Matter Expert support.

- Conduct pilot testing at various locations within Germany and internationally.

- Assist HoFT in classifying Flight Test Requests for complexity.

- Deputize for HoFT when formally delegated (e.g., approving Flight Test Definitions).

- Accept airplanes released for specific flight tests.

- Review any flight test plan prior to execution.

- Support hazard assessments and mitigation coordination.

- Report observations on aircraft technical fitness post-flight tests.

- Prepare Post Flight Reports immediately following each test flight.

- Develop operational procedures for aircraft use cases.

Qualifications

Check-in your professional skills:

Required:

 - EASA CPL(H) or CPL(A)* with Cat 1 or Cat 2 Flight Test Rating

 - 5+ years of experience in development/certification flight testing

 - Experience in test planning, execution, reporting

 - EASA Class 1 medical certification

 - Proficiency in writing detailed reports/plans

 - Ability to apply risk management processes effectively

 - Familiarity with EASA certification processes/regulatory requirements

 - Strong teamwork skills

Preferred:

 - Experience as an engineering/experimental test pilot

 - Previous eVTOL uncrewed/crewed flight experience

 - Digital Flight Control System development experience

*CPL(A) applicants with rotorcraft/powered lift experience are also considered.*

Additional Information

Our Volocopter journey includes:

  • Fast-growing high-tech company with superb network of investors/partners
  • Opportunity to shape aviation's future
  • Engage in groundbreaking projects from scratch!
  • Personal accountability/growth opportunities based on strengths
  • Inspiring workplace with modern workspaces/flexible hours/quick decision-making/flat hierarchy/positive leadership/great team spirit
  • Attractive compensation package

Diversity at Volocopter

Our differences make us great. At Volocopter, we value equal opportunities/trust. As industry innovators, changing the world starts at team level. We commit to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued/respected/empowered.

We await your application through: https://smrtr.io/pfVzP.  For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

posted 13 December 2024

Test Pilot - Merlin

To apply click HERE.

Test Pilot 

Bedford, MA Flight Test – Flight Test /Full Time /On-site Apply for this job About Us:

Merlin is an early-stage autonomy company, building software to control sophisticated transportation systems. Our mission here at Merlin Labs is to develop hardware and software solutions that deliver the capability for aircraft to fly useful missions autonomously and safely. Our first product will be a certified system to bring automation to existing fixed wing aircraft.

We’re backed by some of the top institutional venture capitalists in the country, our headquarters are located in Boston with hubs in Denver, Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert. Come join our diverse, world class team, made up of people from places like Google, Airbus, Boeing, UTC, the US Navy, and the US Air Force.

About You:

Do you enjoy hands-on testing at the cutting edge of aerospace technology? Do you enjoy fast paced problem solving? Are you self-motivated and have a critical eye for flight safety and flight test details? Do you love the idea of more widely proliferated and safer flying machines, accessible to all? If so, you might be a good fit for our Flight Ops team!

The Role:

Lead capability testing on our test aircraft working with our engineering team in supporting development of our autonomy systems by flying early and often.

As a lead project pilot, develop and drive the application of processes we need to prepare for, execute, and analyze our flight tests.

Collaborate with hardware, software, flight controls, integration, and flight operation teams to develop test plans, ensure readiness for test, and drive efficient and effective collection of the data we need to test our systems.

Execute flight tests as needed onsite, including assisting in building and approving test cards, verifying procedures and software via simulation, serving as test pilot, and supporting generation of analysis and deficiency reports after flight through robust flight test reports.

Qualifications:

5+ years direct experience with experimental flight tests or a

combination of equivalent formal training and experience.

Knowledge of basic concepts of fixed wing aircraft flight dynamics and control.

Enthusiastic willingness to do what needs to be done to help our flight test program succeed, including but not limited to: flying small airplanes, spending time on site in Mojave, CA during critical testing times, and learning new skills as necessary.

Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

Logistics:

We are open to considering non-local candidates who can travel to Mojave to support Flight Test activities. Travel & Expenses covered.

Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.

Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background, export control and reference checks.

Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

To apply click HERE.

 

posted 15 October