Lead Aircraft Controller

Job Summary

The Lead Aircraft Controller serves as the primary focal point for the coordination, authorization, and reporting of all flight and ground test preparation activities for assigned flight test vehicles and/or aircraft throughout all phases of a flight test program. This role ensures maintenance, modification, instrumentation, and system readiness activities are planned, coordinated, and completed to support safe and efficient flight test operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate under the day-to-day direction of the Lead Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Flight Test Manager, and/or Aircraft Support Supervisor.
• Coordinate, monitor, and control all maintenance and modification activities performed on assigned flight test vehicles, including flight test instrumentation, aircraft systems modifications, data acquisition systems, and other test-related installations.
• Provide coordination support for short-term flight test planning and daily aircraft preparation activities.
• Maintain visibility of flight test vehicle status, configuration, and readiness to support testing schedules and operational requirements.
• Assemble flight test aircraft work packages for the Aircraft Support Team and ensure all testing-related work is completed before test execution.
• Conduct pre-flight briefings with flight test crews regarding aircraft status, test configuration, and readiness for flight.
• Track, report, and coordinate the resolution of deferred maintenance items, discrepancies, and flight test vehicle snags.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, maintenance, operations, and support teams to ensure aircraft are prepared and configured to meet test objectives.
• Support flight test operations by providing timely updates on aircraft status, work scope completion, and test readiness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Flight Test Engineer or Flight Test Manager.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Engineering, or
• College diploma as an Engineering Technologist, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a transport-category flight test environment preferred.
• Experience coordinating aircraft maintenance, modification, or flight test support activities.
• Experience working in a regulated aviation environment with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Word (Intermediate)
• Microsoft Excel (Intermediate)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (Intermediate)
• Proficiency with standard office productivity and reporting tools.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of flight test practices, processes, and principles.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering, maintenance, operations, and management functions.
• Professionalism and the ability to build productive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Interest and effectiveness in a project-driven environment where priorities may change rapidly.
• Good understanding of aircraft systems and aircraft operations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand aircraft system schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.