Flight Test Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Flight Test Engineer to join our Flight Operations Team in Palmdale, California.

Located at our Flight Operation Facility in Palmdale, CA, this Flight Test Engineer position specializes in Flight Test Coordination of Developmental Test and evaluation of emerging airframe, software, hardware, and payload capabilities. Working directly with a broad spectrum of System Design Engineers, Test & Evaluation pilots, and System Test & Qualification Engineers, this person shall independently perform technical reviews and safety analysis on test plans, flight test run cards and first article design packages. The role facilitates the Technical and Safety Review test process for the Vice President of Flight Operations and reports to Technical Operations. This person shall chair the Developmental Test Safety Review Board to ensure risks and hazards are properly mitigated and monitor flight test results to ensure adherence to test plans and sound test methodology in a highly dynamic environment. Other duties include participation on Software Design Review Boards, Test Readiness Review Boards, and Test Director Certification Board.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides centralized coordination and communication with flight test team members and subject matter expert design engineers in preparation for flight test.
• Conducts technical reviews of flight test plans for sound test techniques, and provides safety analysis of risks, hazards, and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate and reviews test points and run cards with senior level aircrew for the safe execution of flight test maneuvers, with special emphasis on performance and flying qualities of stability control systems and autopilot systems.
• Represents Flight Operations on various boards to include software design and changes, levels of test readiness such as preliminary design, final design, ground test and flight test, certification board for test directors, both basic and performance and flying qualities, program introductions and readiness reviews.
• Author, compile technical documents and memorandums, and provide verbal counsel to the Vice President of Flight Operations advising on safety aspects of flight test risks and mitigations.
• Complete appropriate and relative company training courses for flight operations and test director to gain appropriate system knowledge required to fulfil primary duties.
• Perform the duties of Test Director for a multi-disciplinary test team when required.
• Represents Flight Operations in a technical advisor capacity as needs dictate.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Experience working as a Flight Test Engineer or Test Director on fixed wing aircraft. Desired experience to include test and evaluation of stability control systems, autopilots systems and performance and flying qualities. Unmanned Air Vehicle/System flight test experience preferred.
• Experience with creation, writing, review and execution of detailed test plans, test reports, analysis of flight test data and failure analysis reports.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other test team members.
• Demonstrates a detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self- initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Must be self-directed and operate with minimal to no supervision.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Possession of a Private Pilot license is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance is required.