Staff Operational Test Pilot — Advanced Development (J208 Autonomy)

✈️ The Opportunity

In this Staff-level role, you will be the technical authority for operational evaluations of the J208, exercising full pilot-in-command authority during automated flight operations and shaping the procedures, safety frameworks, and customer-facing demonstrations that define how autonomy meets real-world missions.

🧭 What You’ll Do

• Serve as senior onboard Pilot-in-Command for J208 flight evaluations, retaining ultimate authority over automated operations in complex environments.
• Operate Ground Control Stations (GCS) during uncrewed evaluations; draft and refine SOPs for human-on-the-loop interaction with autonomy.
• Lead deployed flight test/evaluation teams; may be designated as Director of Flight Operations for field campaigns.
• Present capabilities, results, and operational progress to military and civil customers; support demonstrations and roadmap discussions.
• Partner closely with engineering and software teams to translate operational lessons into updates, test cards, and product requirements.
• Own operational risk management, safety assessments, and compliance frameworks across diverse test environments.
• Mentor and qualify junior operational test pilots and remote operators; act as PIC during low-risk developmental flight testing at home station.

🧰 What You’ll Bring

• Degree in engineering or an aviation-related field with 8+ years relevant operational flight-test experience; or a master’s with 6+ years; or equivalent practical experience.
• Commercial Pilot: ASEL Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument (CPL equivalent acceptable); able to hold and maintain an FAA First or Second Class Medical.
• Extensive PIC experience in operational flight test, tactical flight ops, or advanced-technology evaluations.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one post-hire.
• Eligibility as a U.S. Person under 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (e.g., U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) for export-control compliance.
• Willing and able to travel approximately 50% domestically and internationally.

🌟 Preferred Experience

• Former Director of Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, or Military Flight Commander.
• Direct Cessna 208 Caravan or turboprop flight-test experience.
• Integration of autonomous flight-control systems, UAS Ground Control Stations, or human-on-the-loop technologies.
• Military aviation and operational test-pilot background.

🧑‍✈️ Safety, Authority & Collaboration

You will exercise final authority as PIC during automated flight evaluations, establish and enforce GCS interaction standards, and drive a continuous feedback loop with engineering to improve autonomy behaviors, human-machine interfaces, and operational envelopes—always grounded in rigorous risk management and safety-first decision making.

💼 Benefits & Rewards

• Competitive base salary plus Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• Paid time off and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• 401(k) with company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage; life insurance.
• Additional employee benefits to support you and your family.

📨 Ready to Lead What’s Next?

If you’re a mission-driven test pilot who thrives at the intersection of autonomy, safety, and real-world operations, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your expertise—and your curiosity—to help shape how autonomous aviation takes flight.