Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Job Summary Robinson Helicopters is a leading manufacturer of civil rotorcraft with a 50 year history of providing affordable helicopters for a wide range of applications. Robinson Helicopters is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Test Pilot at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world. The Experimental Flight Test Pilot is part of a small and nimble flight test team that plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
• Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports.
• Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross-functional technical issues.
• Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program to ensure safety objectives are accomplished including participation in flight test plan reviews, test flights, pre and post test flight briefings, and test readiness reviews.
• Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification.
• Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
• Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.

Experimental Test Pilot

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
• FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
• FAA Second Class Medical.
• Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
• Experience in multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.
• Significant experience managing Risk and Safety in an aviation application.
• Excellent academic record.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and works well with others.
• Able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically.
• Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools

Desired Qualifications

• Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school long course.
• Experience in development and certification flight test programs.
• DER and/or ODA experience.
• Previous experience as a production test pilot or maintenance pilot.
• Master’s degree in engineering.
• Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
• FAA Helicopter Instructor pilot certificate and experience.
• Experience with flight control development.
• Experience managing Risk and Safety in the flight test environment.

Pay Range: $170,000 - $265,000 annually