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Flight Test Der Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Evaluate component test and flight test data, using empirical data to improve analytical ... Currently hold an active Company or Consultant FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER ...

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Evaluate component test and flight test data, using empirical data to improve analytical ... Currently hold an active Company or Consultant FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER ...

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Evaluate component test and flight test data, using empirical data to improve analytical ... Currently hold an active Company or Consultant FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER ...

Avionics Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Flight-Test & Fielding Support * Author test cards, telemetry plans, and IATT documentation ... INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, Designated Engineering Representative (DER), or USAF TPS coursework. * Knowledge ...

... DER would be plus * Identify applicable major design changes impacting electricals * Support the ... Interface with airline customers in troubleshooting at flight test/at test labs/jigs Qualifications

Showing results 41-60

Flight Test Der information

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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test der jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test der in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Der jobs?

For Flight Test Der jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Engineering Flight Test Pilot Principal

Duluth, MN • On-site

Cirrus Aircraft
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
The Flight Test Pilot, Principalis a senior technical role responsible for the strategic planning, execution,and analysis of flight test programs for complex aerospace vehicles andsystems. This position involves high-level coordination, ensuring regulatorycompliance, leading large-scale testing efforts, and contributing to thecontinuous improvement of testing methodologies. As a key technical authority,the Flight Test Pilot Principle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success ofcritical flight test operations. This role requires expertise inexperimental flight testing to support aircraft development and regulatorycompliance.
Responsibilities
  • Acts as the Platform Lead Flight Test Pilot and provides technical oversight of all platform flight test projects.
  • Maintain a high level of pilot proficiency in both jet and propeller aircraft models.
  • Safely conduct experimental flight tests for aircraft development and certification projects.
  • Leads the planning and execution of multi-faceted flight test programs, including defining objectives, testing requirements, success criteria, and timelines.
  • Collaborate with senior management, project teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure test activities align with corporate goals and safety standards.
  • Serve as the primary pilot authority during test operations, providing technical guidance, monitoring test data, and making in the-moment adjustments to ensure data accuracy and safety.
  • Act as a liaison between the Engineering Flight Test team, engineers, and other support teams to facilitate effective communication and decision-making during testing.
  • Address complex technical challenges in real time, utilizing advanced problem-solving skills to adapt and respond to dynamic testing conditions.
  • Participate in test safety review process to ensure tests are conducted safely and appropriate safety mitigations are in place before flight.
  • Generate detailed technical reports that highlight test results, identify variances, and offer actionable insights for design refinement or procedural adjustments.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve safety protocols and risk assessment procedures for all test activities.
  • Collaborate with safety officers and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with industry standards and mitigate potential risks.
  • Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, conducting thorough reviews of test procedures and outcomes to minimize risks.
  • Provide training and development opportunities for team members, helping to advance their technical skills and industry knowledge.
  • Work with engineering, design, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to align testing requirements and ensure consistency with project objectives.
  • Act as a pilot subject matter expert, providing insights and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior management.
  • Participate in strategic planning discussions to improve test efficiency, data accuracy, and test program success.
  • Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years experimental flight test experience.
  • 7 years flight test pilot experience.
  • Pilot Experience 1500 hours total, 500 hours turbine, 100 hours in the last 12 months.
  • Previous turbojet type rating preferred.
  • Experience with FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification programs preferred.
  • Graduate of an accredited test pilot school long course or equivalent flight test pilot experience.
  • FAA DER/UM/ODA Flight Test Pilot experience preferred.
  • Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, avionics, and aircraft systems.
  • Comprehensive understanding of industry regulations and standards (e.g., FAA, EASA, MIL-STD) and safety protocols.
  • Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies for flight test programs.
  • Proven leadership skills leading cross-functional test teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and a positive attitude and flexibility in dynamic test program environment.

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations

These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!
Pay Range
Salary Range: USD $170,145.26/Yr. - USD $255,217.88/Yr.

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