Production Flight Test Pilot Staff | Cirrus Aircraft

Position Summary

The Production Flight Test Pilot Staff conducts flight tests on newly manufactured or modified aircraft to evaluate performance, functionality, and safety. The position supports engineering and production teams by documenting aircraft behavior, identifying anomalies, and verifying compliance with FAA, Type Design, and Cirrus quality standards.

Schedule

• Full-time, onsite.
• Weekend work and alternate shifts may be required based on production needs.
• Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.
• Occasional overnight and international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct production flight tests to evaluate aircraft systems, performance, handling, and stability.
• Perform preflight inspections, weight and balance calculations, and aircraft performance assessments.
• Evaluate weather, aircraft condition, and operational factors to make safe go/no-go decisions.
• Verify compliance with Type Design, FAA requirements, and Cirrus quality standards.
• Monitor flight test instruments and equipment to assess aircraft performance.
• Collect flight test data and document aircraft behavior, deficiencies, and conditions outside established criteria.
• Assist engineering and maintenance teams with troubleshooting aircraft and system anomalies.
• Maintain accurate flight test records and required documentation.
• Follow company safety policies, including required personal protective equipment.
• Assist with initial and recurrent training of other test pilots when assigned.
• Perform additional duties based on production requirements.

Requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine and Instrument Ratings.
• Valid First Class Medical or Second Class Medical.
• Minimum 1,500 PIC Hours.
• Experience operating a variety of high-performance aircraft.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Availability for weekend work, alternate shifts, and occasional overnight or international travel.
• Valid passport or ability to obtain one.
• Comfortable operating non-pressurized aircraft at high altitudes.
• Ability to follow flight test procedures, safety requirements, and detailed documentation standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university.
• Seven or more years of engineering or aircraft A&P mechanic experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Aerobatic, tailwheel, or military flight experience.
• Aviation maintenance, avionics, or similar technical experience.
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including dependent coverage options.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options, including employer HSA contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program, Calm Health, and wellness incentives.
• 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar matching up to 5% after 90 days and full vesting after one year.
• Paid time off starting at 100 accrued hours during the first year.
• Paid holidays, two weeks of paid parental leave, funeral leave, and jury duty leave.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Cirrus Store, partner, and marketplace discounts.
• Employee clubs and community engagement programs.