Lead Flight Test Engineer

We are looking for a Lead Flight Test Engineer who will:

Be a key focal point in the company for defining the flight test for our experimental and certification aircraft. Have a strong theoretical and practical experience, with an aptitude of pragmatic problem-solving. Work in a rewarding, dynamic and always challenging environment and able to adapt to a different pace from ‘traditional’ aerospace.

The responsibilities and duties of the Lead Flight Test Engineer will be as follows:

• Define the Flight Test strategy for a novel aircraft design
• Plan, prepare for and lead flight test activities
• Acquire appropriate permissions and licenses from authorities
• Developing the Flight Test function to be ready for an aircraft certification programme, including process definition (FTOM), record keeping and competence development
• Team management and leadership in test execution
• Maintain a close working relationship with the company’s Test Pilots
• Perform risk assessments and provide recommendations/solutions
• Work closely with other departments within the company, principally Flight Controls, Flight Physics, Simulation and Certification
• Complete test briefings, test conduct, debriefing and reporting internally
• Assist with other tasks within the Test Team as required (planning, test definitions, vehicle operations, operating tests)
• Be actively involved with the recruitment of the growing team
• Mentoring and knowledge sharing within the test function and others in the company

The successful Lead Flight Test Engineer will have the following Experiences & Qualifications:

• Be educated to degree level or higher in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent work experience
• Experimental Flight Test Engineer qualification (Class A / CAT 1) from a recognized / approved Flight Test Training Organisation
• Have demonstrable experience as a Flight Test Engineer in aircraft certification, ideally within a fast paced and novel programmes
• Medically fit to fly and able to obtain a CAA Class 2 medical.
• Have experience working with multiple types of air vehicle, ideally including fixed wing, rotorcraft, multirotor and remotely piloted air systems
• An intricate understanding of aircraft systems, flight physics & a desire to learn more
• Experience working with external regulators/airworthiness bodies
• Excellent computer skills – proficiency with day-to-day applications used for email, word processing, etc, as well as data analysis experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar tools
• Skills understanding complex datasets and making sense of a complex system’s performance
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team and when required to travel and work extended hours
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
• Be fluent in spoken and written English language
• Development and promotion of Just Safety culture within a flight test organisation
• Experience with IADS / Curtiss Wright FTI equipment
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to professional development such as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (or be working towards that award)

Desirable experience & qualifications:

• Civil and Fly By Wire certification experience
• Validation activity for digital simulation and models for certification
• Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) experience