Test Pilot

As a Test Pilot at Scaled Composites, you'll play a vital role in providing technical support for experimental and developmental aircraft and payload systems within a fast-paced design and prototyping environment. Your extensive experience and sound judgment will guide you in planning and achieving objectives. Building and maintaining strong relationships in the organization will be essential to your success.
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 crafting 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:

• Piloting multiple experimental aircraft as well as chase, pace, photo, and target aircraft.
• Writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and final test reports.
• Leading and participating in system design and design reviews, in alignment with your prior engineering experience.
• Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and components, given system requirements.
• Leading and/or participating in ground and flight test events as Test Crew Member or Test Conductor.
• Creating and/or updating Pilot Operating Handbooks to include development of normal and emergency procedures.
• Participating in preflight and post flight briefings; and documenting test results.
• Maintaining flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.

Required Qualifications:

• FAA Commercial Single and Multi-Engine Land pilots license with Instrument Rating; additional ratings and Type Ratings, including CFI S/MEL and CFII, highly preferred.
• FAA high altitude endorsement or equivalent military training.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a FAA Class II medical certificate.
• Minimum of 1000+ hours total PIC flight time, to include recip and turbine time.
• Full course test pilot school graduate or equivalent training and experience.
• Minimum of 250+ hours, or 30 test sorties, of actual developmental and/or experimental flight test time documented.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design and construction.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance and program access.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledgeable of Federal Aviation Regulations for flight operations and aircraft certification.
• Great verbal and written communication skills.
• Great interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Great sales and customer service skills.
• Great organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Great time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with emphasis on engineering disciplines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to work autonomously, as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to travel occasionally on project aircraft trips.

Essential Job Functions:

• Must have the ability to work in cramped, confined cockpit environments in both hot and cold environments for up to 8 hours with limited movement.
• Able to operate cockpit flight controls with center stick, yoke and side stick.
• Able to push rudder up to 150 lbs., elevator forces up to 150 lbs., and aileron forces up to 90 lbs.
• Must be able to enter and exit cockpit areas up to 4 feet off the ground.
• Must be able to work in a high stress environment when required.
• Added Test-Pilot specific functions.
• Occasional lifting up to 50+ lbs, with assistance.
• Standing 60% of the day.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for an assigned task.
• Occasional work with composite materials such as epoxy resin systems, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam/core products. Will also work closely with chemicals, such as acetone and alcohol.
• May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate a computer keyboard).
• Work on varied work surfaces/environments, including but not limited to working in a busy shop environment, cold room, or in/on aircraft structures including raised platforms including but not limited to ladders, scaffolding, and stairs.
• Work may be performed inside or outside of buildings. May be exposed to changing weather conditions (i.e. article or aircraft testing operations).
• Must be able to pass and maintain 'pass' status on OSHA-approved Pulmonary Fitness Test (PFT) in order to wear a respirator for prolonged periods of time.
• Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen).
• Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to write for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time.
• May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc.
• Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to converse and communicate information with others.
• Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration.
• Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis.
• Must have sufficient agility to work in the interior of an aircraft structure. Will need to bend, stoop, squat, and/or kneel to occasionally work in cramped, tiring, and uncomfortable positions.
• Must be able to read and understand SDS.