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

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