Flight Test Operations Manager

Flight Test Operations Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Flight Test Operations Manager to lead aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, aircraft certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support activities.

Reporting to Engineering leadership, the Flight Test Operations Manager provides functional leadership for flight test activities and oversees a team of professional and engineering personnel, including Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers.

The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring flight test operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, company standards, policies, and procedures.

This is a leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage complex flight test programs, resources, risks, and cross-functional relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support.

• Assign and authorize critical resources required to execute flight test operations.

• Provide functional leadership, direction, coaching, and development to Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers.

• Approve test procedures and formally endorse Safety of Flight documentation, as applicable.

• Review and approve flight test risk assessments and ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are established and implemented.

• Oversee the timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency of flight test activities while optimizing resources based on product knowledge, risk, competency, and training currency.

• Maintain appropriate standards for flight test crew operations, training, development, and critical skills.

• Liaise with Engineering leadership and domestic and international certification authorities, including Transport Canada, FAA, and other applicable regulatory organizations.

• Provide technical review and approval of flight test procedures, risk assessments, and related documentation.

• Drive continuous improvement of flight test procedures, practices, and processes to improve safety and operational efficiency.

• Support the planning and execution of new and major flight test programs, including development and validation of estimates, assumptions, deliverables, schedules, and resource requirements.

• Prepare, forecast, and administer department budgets and staffing plans in accordance with organizational targets.

• Carry out people leadership responsibilities, including recruitment, performance management, employee development, and, where required, disciplinary processes.

• Coordinate with Flight Operations, Engineering, and other functional groups to support successful execution of flight test programs.

• Participate in relevant internal councils, functional leadership forums, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Maintain professional relationships with external associations, working groups, technical panels, and other industry organizations as appropriate.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• 15–20 years of experience in a flight test environment.

• Approximately 10 years of progressive professional experience in a leadership or management capacity overseeing flight test engineering operations, activities, or programs.

• Experience as a flight test crewmember is strongly preferred.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Private Pilot Licence, where applicable to the incumbent's assigned flying responsibilities.

• Experience with commercial aircraft certification processes and standards, including Transport Canada and FAA requirements; knowledge of EASA processes is an asset.

• Experience with Safety of Flight principles, flight test risk assessment, and risk mitigation.

• Knowledge of modern flight