Flight Test Engineer

Summary

LTA Research is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to join their Flight Test team, focusing on developing test plans and directing flight test efforts for their large rigid airship. The role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure safe and efficient flight testing, as well as preparing documentation and analyzing data post-flight.

Responsibilities

• Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards
• Assist with the preparation of operational documentation
• Participate in test readiness and safety reviews
• Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently
• Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups
• Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room
• Perform post-flight data analysis as required
• Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and ‘squawks’
• Other duties may be assigned
• Travel – Occasional

Skills

• 1-3+ years of experimental flight test experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better)
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations
• Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures
• Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests
• Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail
• Understanding of flight test instrumentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school
• Private Pilot or higher rating
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
• Aptitude with Python coding
• Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft
• Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems
• Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance
• Understanding of human factors and cockpit design
• Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 1-3+ years of experimental flight test experience
• Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field
• Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better)
• Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations
• Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures
• Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests
• Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail
• Understanding of flight test instrumentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Haves

• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school
• Private Pilot or higher rating
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools
• Aptitude with Python coding
• Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft
• Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems
• Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance
• Understanding of human factors and cockpit design
• Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs

Benefits

• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
• Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
• Parental leave
• Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) matching up to 6%
• Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
• Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride