SR. Test Pilot - Stratolaunch

SR. TEST PILOT
MOJAVE, CA

To apply click HERE.

Position Summary

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

As a Test Pilot on the Stratolaunch team, you will have the opportunity to accomplish new milestones in aviation. You will provide comprehensive flight test technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems development. You will participate in flight test in either the Stratolaunch Model 351 Carrier Aircraft, the world’s largest wingspan aircraft, or the 747-400 Carrier Aircraft. You should possess extensive experience in developmental flight test, and sound judgment to plan and accomplish program goals safely and effectively. You must establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues on a small, agile design-to-flight team. Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command (PIC) or Second in Command (SIC); supporting ground tests as aircrew or Test Conductor; preparing system test plans and flight test cards; participating in engineering design reviews, simulator evaluations, technical and safety reviews, and flight briefings; drafting flight manual and operational guidance and documenting test results. As a key member of the Flight Operations team, you will have an essential role in meeting all Flight Operations objectives. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development stage to operational use and proving capabilities for high-speed vehicle launch.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as PIC/SIC for the experimental Model 351 Carrier Aircraft and/or the experimental 747-400, as well as other aircraft to be used for chase and training missions.
  • Write flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in system design and design reviews
  • Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and components
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight test events as test crew member or Test Conductor
  • Participate in control room operations as Mission Director or training officer, as required
  • Author and/or update Pilot Operating Handbook and related guidance, to include development of normal and emergency procedures
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types
  • Must be able to work in a high stress environment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Pilot graduate of a full course test pilot school (SETP-recognized), or possess equivalent experience in developmental flight test programs
  • Minimum 1,200 hours total PIC flight time, to include at least 500 hours in turbine aircraft
  • Three years of test pilot experience on developmental flight test programs
  • FAA Commercial Multi‐Engine Land pilot certificate, without a centerline thrust restriction
  • FAA Second Class medical certificate
  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design
  • Be independent and motivated; able to self‐direct and manage time effectively
  • Be able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Be knowledgeable of applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for flight operations and aircraft certification
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • United States citizenship
  • 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. Must have the ability to operate cockpit flight controls with up to 150 lbs. of rudder forces, elevator forces up to 120 lbs., and aileron forces up to 90 lbs.
  • Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as instructed, to include flight helmet, oxygen mask and backpack parachute, and have the ability to egress cockpit area up to 10 feet off the ground via rope.

HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • FAA Airline Transport Rating (ATP), or additional FAA type ratings and experience in multi-engine, non-centerline thrust aircraft
  • 747-400 type rating
  • Possess FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training
  • Experience as pilot in heavy multi-engine turbine aircraft
  • Six years of relevant experience on developmental flight test programs
  • Experience with external stores carriage and separation flight tests
  • Master’s Degree in engineering or related technical field
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls or autonomous aircraft development
  • Previous experience with experimental or modified aircraft, technical and safety review boards, and configuration control
  • Familiar with government flight test organizations, ranges, and procedures

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is in Mojave, CA
  • Travel to CONUS or OCONUS test locations for extended test campaigns

Benefits and our location:

  • $154,000-$246,300
  • Up to %15 annual bonus
  • Relocation eligible to local area – Mojave, CA
  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan up to the IRS annual limit
  • Tuition reimbursement

Applicants must be a US citizen or Green Card holder to be considered for this role.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

Job Category: Flight Operations

To apply click HERE.

 

posted 15 February 2024

 

Test Pilot - Calspan

Job Description:

Position Title:                       Test Pilot
Grade:                                    Ungraded              
Department:                        Fight Operations (NF,PAX)
Reports to:                            VP, Chief Test Pilot
Job Category:                       Full time, Exempt     

Summary: Primary duties include flying and evaluating modified aircraft for research and development (R&D) and Test Pilot training. Duties also include reporting on results and performance from flight test sorties.  Responsible for all aspects of flight test including test and safety planning, execution and reporting.

Position Responsibilities  

  • Participate in all aspects of flight testing including: handling qualities demonstration and research flights; upset recovery training flights in experimental aircraft; proposal preparation; experiment design; aircraft and systems preparation; flight test planning and implementation; data analysis, and technical report writing.
  • Regularly contribute to the development of new concepts, techniques, and standards as an expert in the field within the business group.
  • Develop solutions to complex problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. Ensures solutions are consistent with business group and organizational objectives.
  • Perform work independently without appreciable direction. Exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments.
  • Serve as consultant to management and serve as the external spokesperson for the business group/functional organization on major matters pertaining to its policies, plans and objectives. Particapte in new business proposal preparation.

Preferred Education / Experience:

  • Recognized Test Pilot School graduate.
  • Pilot License - FAA Commercial, Multi-Engine Land, Instrument Rating.
  • Minimum 750 hours of turbine PIC time.
  • Five years progressive experience and responsibility as a test pilot in a flight-test organization.
  • Must meet eligibility requirements for a Secret Security Clearance.
  • BS in Appropriate Engineering discipline desired.

 

Preferred Knowledge / Ability: 

  • Experience with project management, flight testing and evaluations of aircraft stability and control, flying/handling qualities, flight control systems or other airborne systems.
  • Flight test instructor experience; teaching academic theory and airborne test techniques.

Salary Range (min)

USD $150,000.00/Yr.

Salary Range (max)

USD $200,000.00/Yr.

For more information or to apply click HERE.

 

posted 9 February 2024

Flight Test Director/Specialist - MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Flight Test Director/Specialist
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Lexington, MA

The mission of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Flight Test Facility is to support research and development programs at Lincoln Laboratory by providing unique airborne test bed platforms, state-of the-art test facilities and expert integration and flight test risk management solutions. The Flight Test Facility research aircraft are flown, maintained, and managed by a professional staff of test pilots, certified maintenance technicians, and administrative personnel. The Flight Test Facility's first priority is safety. All flight operations are conducted by using procedures and equipment that meet or exceed all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. As a result of various past airborne testing programs, mission-specific procedures have been developed. These procedures and the Federal Aviation Regulations provide for safe, effective and successful operations. The Flight Test Facility was created to support early air-to-air collision avoidance research programs sponsored by the FAA. As the need for more extensive airborne testing increased, the Flight Test Facility expanded to support a variety of Department of Defense and FAA programs. The Flight Test Facility currently operates seven experimentally certificated commercially derivative airborne test beds ranging in size from a small single engine Cessna to large turboprops and corporate jets.

Position Description:  Flight Test Director/Specialist

The Flight Test Director/Specialist is an essential member of the Flight Test Facility team and is responsible for conducting mission safety & test planning for all ground and flight tests on the highly modified manned aircraft for the purpose of research and development.

Duties:

The Flight Test Director primary duties include:

  • Act as the liaison between the technical groups and the Flight Test Facility
  • Responsible for creating ground and flight test plans, flight test cards, and overseeing safety review boards. 
  • Function as an airborne flight test engineer for handling qualities and performance flight tests on modified aircraft.
  • Work effectively with a small team to engage with the engineering customer and ensure a smooth aircraft integration process.
  • Coordinate with the engineering customer to understand project scope, build schedules, write test plans (including flight profiles and test cards), analyze flight test risk, manage logistics, and coordinate airspace.
  • Coordinate, execute and lead flight test campaigns at off-site locations throughout the US in conjunction with Chief Test Pilot and Supervisor of Flight Operations guidance, which could include logistics planning and provisioning.
  • Actively contribute in technical information and test planning meetings, Configuration Control Boards, Safety Review Boards, First Flight Readiness Review Boards, preflight briefings and debriefings.
  • Communicate to engineering project personnel the results of test flights (ground and/or flight) including recommendations and lessons learned.
  • As a visible Flight Test Facility representative to the Laboratory, must act with tact and decorum while ensuring an efficient and safe flight operations.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) required. Degrees in Physics, Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering are desired
  • Masters’ degree is a plus
  • Ability to obtain a FAA Medical Certificate (minimum third class)
  • Previous experience as a Flight Test Engineer, Test Director, or Test Pilot (desired)
  • Graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school (desired)
  • Private or Commercial Pilot certificate (desired)
  • Flight experience in manned fixed wing aircraft (desired)
  • Knowledge of MATLAB and Labview software (desired)
  • Familiarity with FAA and/or DoD certification and airworthiness processes and procedures is a plus
  • Knowledge and experience in DCMA -Defense Contract Management Agency processes are a plus
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively with a variety of individuals, departments and organizations.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability and willingness to work with irregular hours and work days
  • Ability to travel on short notice
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain government (DoD) clearance

To Apply:

For full position description, and to apply, please visit https://careers.ll.mit.edu and search using requisition #40802

For Benefits Information, click http://hrweb.mit.edu/benefits

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Job Description

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks. Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance. MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 40802 

posted 12 January 2024