Chief Test Pilot - Experimental Flight Test

About the role

This is a program-defining leadership role responsible for establishing and executing the airborne flight test campaign for a clean-sheet turbine aircraft from first flight through type certification. Reporting to the Head of Flight Operations, the Chief Test Pilot serves as the technical and safety authority for all flight operations and plays a critical role in aircraft design, certification strategy, and program execution. This individual will interface directly with FAA representatives, engineering leadership, and executive stakeholders to achieve certification objectives on schedule and within budget

Responsibilities

• Serve as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for experimental and certification flight tests across the aircraft development program
• Author and approve test pilot reports, handling qualities evaluations, and performance assessment
• Provide technical input to Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) development and engineering design reviews
• Lead development and execution of Flight Test Plans (FTPs), Procedures, and Reports (FTRs)
• Establish flight operations policies, procedures, and Safety Management System (SMS)
• Develop pilot training programs, SOPs, and operational flight manuals
• Recruit, train, and manage test pilots and flight crew personnel
• Define crew coordination standards, briefing practices, and operational risk management frameworks
• Serve as primary interface with FAA and certification authorities for flight test activities
• Lead development of certification flight test plans, compliance documentation, and Issue Papers
• Ensure adherence to applicable regulations (14 CFR Parts 21/23/25, Part 91, etc.)
• Support FAA and company program reviews, briefings, and certification milestones
• Provide pilot perspective into aircraft design, cockpit/crew station development, and human factors
• Lead flight test safety analysis, hazard identification, and Safety Review Board processes
• Participate in program reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR, FRR) and influence key design decisions
• Coordinate closely with engineering, systems integration, and program management

Requirements

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
• Graduate of an accredited Test Pilot School (USAF TPS, USN TPS, NTPS, ETPS, EPNER, or equivalent)
• 15+ years of progressive flight test experience
• Minimum 3,500 total flight hours including turbine aircraft experience
• Significant experience conducting experimental or certification flight testing as PIC
• Demonstrated leadership on turbine aircraft certification programs
• Deep expertise in aircraft systems, aerodynamics, handling qualities, and certification processes
• Experience authoring flight test documentation (FTP, FTR, etc.)
• Strong communication skills with experience interfacing with engineering teams and regulatory authorities
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and current First Class Medical (or ability to obtain)
• Required Skills
• Active Listening: Strive to gain insight and truly understand all project stakeholders
• Critical Thinking: Make prompt, informed, value-based decisions
• Organization: Focus on agenda, schedules, frameworks, and methodologies, as well as communicating tasks, updates, progress, and blockers
• Problem Solving: Assess issues from different vantage points to formulate the best solution
• Self-Motivation: Demonstrate the highest level of commitment and drive to see projects through
• Teamwork and Team Building: Contribute to a collaborative culture where people with unique personalities and skills work together effectively and hold themselves accountable to shared goals
• Strong Business Communication: Use professional language and tone in all forms of communication
• Where You'll Be
• This role is based onsite in Jacksonville, FL with potential travel (up to ~25%) in support of flight test operations.

Benefits

Additional Information

About Otto Aerospace OTTO is developing the world's first fifth-generation business jet, designed for sustainability through the innovative use of advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Flight tests of our technology demonstrator validate a dramatic reduction in fuel burn and allow a sizeable improvement in cabin comfort. Otto Aerospace is designing world-class aircraft from first principles physics and delivering ground-breaking aircraft and economic performance.

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