Sr. Flight Test Engineer

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Sr. Flight Test Engineer

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTING TO: Chief Engineer

Founded in 1955, Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) is a research and development business specializing in design, fabrication and flight testing of experimental rotorcraft and unmanned air vehicles. Piasecki has developed and flown more than 25 different advanced VTOL and UAV aircraft and continues to develop cutting-edge vertical flight technologies.

SUMMARY:

The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Senior Flight Test Engineer will lead the planning, execution, and reporting of flight test activities for PiAC's most critical programs. This role serves as a technical authority on flight test methods, data analysis, and aircraft safety. The Senior Flight Test Engineer will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team to validate cutting-edge VTOL technologies and will be responsible for mentoring other engineers in the flight test discipline. This role may require up to 20% travel to support flight test operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the development, review, and approval of comprehensive flight test plans and test cards for complex experimental aircraft.

Serve as the lead Test Director during critical ground and flight test operations, providing real-time technical guidance and final decision-making authority.

Direct and perform in-depth post-flight data reduction, analysis, and interpretation, presenting clear and actionable findings to program management, engineering teams, and customers.

Act as the primary technical interface for flight test matters with internal stakeholders and external partners or customers.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level Flight Test Engineers, fostering their professional development.

Lead vehicle-level Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and contribute to the development of design and safety guidelines.

Oversee the documentation of test requirements and ensure their successful decomposition into component and integration level test objectives.

Identify and communicate significant technical risks related to flight test campaigns and lead the development of mitigation plans.

Drive continuous improvement in flight test processes, tools, and documentation to enhance organizational capability.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Minimum of 8+ years of direct work experience in flight testing, particularly with experimental VTOL systems, electric, and hybrid vehicle architectures.

Demonstrated expertise in leading flight test campaigns, from initial planning through to final reporting and documentation.

In-depth understanding of vehicle architectures, data acquisition systems, and advanced instrumentation.

Proven success in leading and influencing cross-functional teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.

Highly proficient with design/analysis software, Python, and Microsoft Office tools.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / CLEARANCES:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, or related field) is required. A graduate degree is strongly preferred.

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Full-time

Hybrid remote