Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Veterans Alliance, LLC

•

Torrance, California

•

PERMANENT

$180,000/yr

Updated 09/02/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

Experimental Flight Test Pilot

Torrance, CA

Full-Time Direct Hire

Salary:

$180,000 - $240,000 annually

Shift:

Day Shift

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Experimental Flight Test Pilot to support the development, testing, and certification of advanced rotary-wing aircraft and systems.

The Experimental Flight Test Pilot will be part of a highly specialized flight test team responsible for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on ground and flight testing of experimental rotorcraft. This individual will serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for complex development and certification flight-test activities while working closely with engineering, program leadership, and regulatory authorities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced rotary-wing test pilot to contribute directly to the development and certification of next-generation rotorcraft technologies.

Responsibilities

Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for development, research, and certification flight testing of experimental rotorcraft.

Plan and conduct complex rotary-wing flight-test projects.

Develop flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and formal test reports.

Lead and participate in ground and flight tests as a pilot, test crew member, and/or Test Conductor.

Collaborate with engineering and program stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine aircraft configurations, and safely execute test programs.

Participate in multidisciplinary design reviews and assist in resolving technical and cross-functional engineering issues.

Conduct pre-flight and post-flight briefings, test readiness reviews, and flight-test safety reviews.

Identify, evaluate, and manage risk throughout flight-test operations.

Support flight-test safety programs and ensure testing is conducted in accordance with established procedures and safety standards.

Interface with FAA, EASA, TCCA, and other regulatory flight-test personnel during aircraft certification activities.

Maintain required flight-test documentation and records.

Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with established processes and procedures.

Maintain flying currency and proficiency across multiple aircraft types.

Contribute technical insight and recommendations to improve aircraft performance, safety, and overall product development.

Support continuous improvement of flight-test processes, procedures, and organizational capabilities.

Required Qualifications

Graduate of an SETP-recognized test pilot school OR substantial experience supporting development and certification flight-test programs.

Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent applicable experience.

Minimum 5 years of experience as an Experimental Rotary-Wing Test Pilot.

FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.

Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate.

Minimum 1,000 hours of Helicopter PIC flight time.

Significant experience managing risk and safety within a flight-test environment.

Experience supporting development and type-certification flight-test programs involving fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft.

Strong technical writing skills with experience developing flight-test plans, test cards, and technical reports.

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong project management, organizational, and risk-management capabilities.

Self-starter capable of working effectively with minimal supervision.

Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering and flight-test teams.

Ability to work irregular hours and workdays as flight-test requirements dictate.

Ability to travel periodically.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and applicable engineering/software tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant flight experience across multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.

DER and/or ODA experience.

Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.

Human-to-vehicle interface design, testing, and evaluation experience.

FAA Helicopter Flight Instructor Certificate and instructional experience.

Experience with advanced flight-control systems.

Experience working directly with regulatory authorities during aircraft development and certification.

Compensation

$180,000 - $240,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Location

Torrance, California

This is an on-site position supporting active aircraft development and flight-test operations.

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