Principal Flight Test Pilot & Engineering Platform Lead

✈️ The opportunity

Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a seasoned Principal Engineering Flight Test Pilot to serve as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and technical authority for complex, multi-phase experimental programs that advance aircraft development and certification. You will set the strategy, ensure uncompromising safety, guide cross-functional teams, and translate flight-test results into decisive engineering insights that shape next-generation products.

🧭 What you will do

• Serve as Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and technical authority across a portfolio of flight-test projects.
• Plan and lead experimental flight tests from concept through execution, defining objectives, requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
• Coordinate with senior leadership, engineering, design, manufacturing, regulatory bodies, and support teams to align testing with safety, certification, and business goals.
• Act as primary pilot authority during test operations, providing real-time technical guidance, safeguarding crew and asset safety, and ensuring data integrity.
• Drive test-safety rigor through hazard analyses, test-safety reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies; continuously improve safety protocols.
• Evaluate flight-test data and prepare clear, detailed technical reports with recommendations for design refinements and procedural improvements.
• Mentor and develop test teams; serve as a pilot subject-matter expert to cross-functional partners and senior management.
• Contribute to strategic planning to enhance test efficiency, data accuracy, program velocity, and certification success; perform other departmental duties as assigned.

🧰 What you will bring

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experimental flight-test experience and 7+ years as a flight test pilot.
• Flight time: 1,500+ total hours, 500+ turbine hours, and 100+ hours in the last 12 months.
• Graduate of an accredited long-course test-pilot school or equivalent flight-test-pilot experience.
• Deep knowledge of flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, aircraft systems, and industry regulations and standards, including FAA, EASA, and MIL-STD requirements.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional test teams with excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Preferred: prior turbojet type rating; experience with FAA, TCCA, and EASA certification programs; and FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, risk management, and continuous improvement in dynamic test environments.
• Proficiency and currency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.

🌟 Benefits that go the distance

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage with dependent options.
• Employer-paid group term life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• FSA and HSA offerings with company HSA contributions.
• Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through the medical provider.
• 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days and 100% vesting after one year of service.
• PTO starting at 100 hours accrued in the first year, plus paid holidays.
• Two weeks paid parental leave, funeral leave, and jury-duty leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Cirrus Store, partner, and marketplace discounts, plus company and employee clubs at various locations.

📨 Ready to make your mark?

If you are an experienced flight test leader who thrives at the intersection of safety, precision, and innovation, we would love to hear from you. Join Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth and help shape the future of flight.