Senior Flight Test Engineer

A Scaled Composites Senior Flight Test Engineer (FTE) will act as a project test lead. The FTE will work with the project technical leadership and test pilots to design and generate test plans. The FTE will coordinate schedules and logistics with other internal and external organizations. Like every job at Scaled, the job is to do anything that needs to be done to help each program succeed. Scaled FTEs will be assigned to assist one or more programs and each program will determine what level of support is needed from the FTE. There are some opportunities for internal development via on-the-job training for engineers meeting the basic requirements for this position but requiring additional experience. Opportunities include supporting UAVs, manned and unmanned test aircraft, and new clean sheet manned aircraft.

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 

Summary:

Scaled Composites is a fast-paced aerospace research company located in Mojave, CA. We are known for generating one-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. 

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as test lead on developmental flight test programs, including first flights and envelope expansion of unmanned and manned aircraft.
• Support variety of Scaled flight test programs, including chase support and general FTE activities.
• Works with design engineers, project leadership, and pilots to define and design a test concept that is efficient, achievable, and meets the customer’s needs.
• Designs tests, defines test objectives, and specifies instrumentation requirements to optimized test safety and efficiency.
• Writes and maintains program test plan and program specific emergency response plan.
• Generates test cards for test events from the test plan.
• Estimates time, personnel, materials, and budget required to execute test program. 
• Coordinates airport operations, emergency services, special use airspace, VHF frequencies, and telemetry frequencies as required for test events.
• Defines and communicates required test infrastructure, staffing, and resources to program and company leadership.
• Defines required configuration for the test article and coordinates with project leadership to get the test article in the proper configuration.
• Assists responsible engineers with selecting instrumentation, building control room displays, and performing data analysis.
• Collects, post-processes, and presents test data to make actionable technical conclusions.
• Responsible for defining and planning training for control room training for programs requiring a control room.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD; relevant flight test experience or graduate of SETP recognized test pilot school, highly preferred.
• Possess an engineering degree in aeronautical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design, build, and test.
• Has multi-discipline engineering literacy and be able to interact with design engineering team on a technical level.
• Ability to implement sound critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs with the ability to learn new software, as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret DOD clearance.
• Flying duties may have additional requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach.
• Clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
• Occasionally lift and/or move equipment and objects weighing up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required (e.g., to operate computer keyboard).
• Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Flying duties may have additional requirements.