Cirrus · 22 hours ago
Flight Test Pilot Principal
Duluth, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expCirrus is a company specializing in aerospace vehicles and systems, and they are seeking a Flight Test Pilot Principal to lead and oversee flight test programs. This role involves strategic planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests to ensure compliance and improve testing methodologies.
Air TransportationIn-Flight EntertainmentService Industry
Responsibilities
Acts as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides technical oversight of all platform flight test projects
Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models
Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects
Leads the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines
Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards
Serve as the primary pilot authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety
Act as a liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing
Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions
Participate in test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight
Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments
Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities
Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks
Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks
Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge
Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives
Act as a pilot subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management
Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success
Perform other departmental duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
10+ years experimental flight test experience
7 years flight test pilot experience
Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hour in the last 12 months
Knowledable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems
Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols
Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs
Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude and flexibility in dynamic test program environment
Preferred
Previous turbojet type rating preferred
Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred
Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience
FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience preferred
Benefits
401(k) Plan : Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting.
Employer-Paid Coverages : Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
Comprehensive Health Coverage : Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
Free Health Tracking : With rewards for meeting health goals.
Generous PTO : 120 hours accrued within the first year.
Employee Referral Bonus : For referring talented candidates.
Career Development : Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
Exclusive Discounts : Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
Community & Engagement : Company and employee clubs at various locations.
Company
Cirrus
Cirrus Aircraft is the global leader in personal aviation.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Cirrus has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (5)
2024 (2)
2023 (2)
2022 (5)
2021 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2024-07-12IPO
Leadership Team
Patrick Waddick
President, Innovation & Operations
Recent News
Business Wire
2026-01-06
Morningstar.com
2025-12-17
2025-12-03
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