Flight Test Engineer

ACE Partners is supporting one of their Aviation partners with an experienced Experimental Flight Test Engineering opportunity; to support the development and certification with their existing and new pro This role sits within a small, highly capable flight test team responsible for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on ground and flight test activities for experimental rotorcraft and systems.

You will work hands-on across the full flight test lifecycle, partnering closely with engineering, certification, and flight operations to safely mature new aircraft and systems from early development through type certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop experimental flight test requirements and translate engineering objectives into safe, effective test plans, test cards, and procedures
• Act as a flight test crew member and/or test conductor during development and research flight tests of experimental rotorcraft
• Plan, brief, execute, and debrief complex flight test sorties in accordance with approved safety and test processes
• Analyze flight test data and produce clear, concise flight test reports and technical documentation
• Define requirements for, and support the design and installation of, specialized flight test instrumentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to develop test strategies, configurations, schedules, and execution plans
• Support development and certification flight test programmers for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft
• Lead and participate in flight test safety activities, including hazard identification, risk mitigation, test readiness reviews, and safety briefings
• Interface directly with regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA, TCCA) in support of certification flight test activities
• Participate in design reviews and assist in resolving cross-discipline technical issues
• Maintain configuration control of test articles and ensure compliance with internal processes and regulatory requirements
• Maintain flight test engineer currency across multiple experimental rotorcraft
• Contribute to continuous improvement of flight test methods, tools, and organizational processes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as an experimental flight test engineer
• Demonstrated experience in development and type certification flight test programmers
• Strong understanding of experimental flight-testing principles, aerodynamics, performance, and flying qualities
• Working knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics flight test methods, and applicable FAR requirements
• Proven experience managing risk and safety in an experimental flight test environment
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-starter with strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work irregular hours and travel to offsite test locations as required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard engineering software tools

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized flight test school or equivalent flight test experience
• Experience defining, designing, and installing specialized flight test instrumentation
• DER and/or ODA experience
• Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline