Lead Flight Test Engineer

Company: Supernal
Location: California City
Posted on: September 15, 2023

Job Description:

Supernal is at the forefront of creating emerging mobility solutions that will foster the development of human-centered cities. We are designing a completely new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored to the mobility needs of future cities. This allows passengers a seamless intermodal journey that safely transports them to their final destination. We fuse research in autonomy, robotics, aviation and services to define a new category of mobility for the world's communities. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people's ability to move - whether for work or play.
What we do:
The Lead Flight Test Engineer works closely with core engineering and operations teams on planning and execution of flight test campaigns. This role is a critical contributor in enabling safe, efficient experimental flight testing. The role is responsible for developing test plans, writing test cards, and participating in flight readiness reviews, test readiness reviews, and risk assessments. The Flight Test Engineer will work closely with aircraft maintenance to ensure that the flight vehicle is in proper configuration for testing, coordinates ground & flight tests, performs data analysis, writes test reports, documents test results, and troubleshoots issues. An understanding and working knowledge of flight test instrumentation and data acquisition and have strong configuration management skills. This role also has responsibility to provide mentorship to more junior Flight Test Engineers.
This position will be required to work on-site 5 days a week.
What you can do:

• 
  
• Technical lead of a vehicle flight test engineering team
  
• Acquiring comprehensive knowledge of air vehicle's systems
  
• Experience in leading the development and execution of flight test campaigns and associated processes
  
• Generating system-level flight test procedures and deriving and tracking flight requirements
  
• Collaborating with engineers, flight test pilots, and the test operations support team to develop flight test plans and write flight test cards
  
• Planning, organizing, and executing flight test operations
  
• Ensuring the test vehicle is properly configured to meet test objectives
  
• Leads test daily test conduct
  
• Leading daily flight test coordination and communication
  
• Analyzing data, documenting results, and troubleshooting obstacles
  
• Coordinating with multiple teams in support of flight test objectives and risk hazard assessments
  
• Experience in data reduction and analysis to compare against expected test outcomes
  
• Advocate and leader of a strong safety culture
  
• May require up to 25% of domestic and international travel
  
• Other duties as assigned
  
  What you can contribute:
  
  • 
    
  • Bachelor's in an applicable engineering field or equivalent required; Master's degree preferred
    
  • Minimum ten (10)+ years of experience in experimental flight testing
    
  • Experience testing complex flight control, power management and avionics systems preferred
    
  • Experience managing deficiencies, limitations, and restrictions in a flight test environment
    
  • Experience operating/testing of remotely piloted aircraft preferred
    
  • Experience with first flight of experimental aircraft preferred
    
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and thorough knowledge of Part 21 and Part 23 or 25 or 27 or 29 preferred
    
  • Familiarity with experimental aircraft airworthiness release process
    
  • Strong background in authoring flight test plans and reports
    
  • Expertise in data analysis with MATLAB, IADS, other tools preferred
    
  • Familiarity with FAA orders 4040.26B, 8100.4C, 8130.34D preferred
    
  • Private pilot or higher rating preferred
    
  • Part 107 Pilot qualified preferred
    
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    
  • Proactive delivery of communication and follow up
    
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
    
  • Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
    
  • Proficiency in report writing and developing manuals
    
  • Proficiency in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and/or digital flight controls preferred
    
  • Must be able to pass FAA Class III Flight Physical
    
    Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at:
    This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal's receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).
    -Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge and location. This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of total compensation.The pay range for this position is:$192,400-$289,120 USDClick or visit: to view our benefits!

Keywords: Supernal, Lancaster , Lead Flight Test Engineer, Engineering , California City, California