Director of Flight Test & Operations
Hollister, CA
Departments – Flight Test & Ops /
Full Time /
On-site
We are looking for a Director of Flight Test and Operations to join our team. You will be part of the Generation 6 aircraft development program and will lead all flight test and flight operation activities across the Wisk company.
Why we need you:
- Wisk is currently developing Generation 6, the first fully autonomous all-electric eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft) and we need a Director to lead the Flight Test & Operations team,
- The Flight Test & Operations team is in charge of all flight test and flight operation activities across the company and is responsible for maintaining and operating our fleet of test aircraft as well as for the creation and the execution of the flight test plans,
- The ultimate purpose of the Flight Test is to ensure the safe collection of flight test data to support the verification activities of the Generation 6 aircraft development program.
What you will do:
- The Director of Flight Test and Operations (FTOP) holds responsibility and accountability for the collection of flight test data to support verification on the Gen 6 program. This includes providing instrumentation and flight test engineering support, as well as flight operations support such as aircraft management and maintenance,
- Additionally, FTOP oversees Chief Pilot activities related to R&D operations, surrogate aircraft operation, airborne chase, and proposed Part 135 Single Pilot operations,
- Administrative tracking of all company test pilot FAA qualifications and certifications is also within the purview of FTOP. These functions are carried out at our base of operation: KCVH Hollister, CA.
- Grow and mentor your team as we embark on the certification of an autonomous eVTOL aircraft
- Promote a strong safety culture and manage/understand risk in an aircraft certification environment.
- Participate in cross-disciplinary leadership/program-level decision making
- Support requirements development from an operational and test perspective, feeding requirements into product development and systems engineering
- Develop and maintain processes to support company programs
- Manage competing priorities from multiple programs to achieve company goals
- Provide technical and managerial oversight for flight and systems testing at all Wisk sites, setting developmental and certification test strategy, and execution approach
What you have done:
- 15+ years of experience in flight and/or systems integration and test, including leading test planning, execution, and reporting, both in developmental and certification environments
- Have engaged agencies relating to certification testing and means/methods of compliance.
- Prioritizing test activities to support development and company goals
- Experience testing and integrating complex flight control, power management, and avionics systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in resource constrained environments
- Communicates effectively with company leadership, peers, your team, and external suppliers/authorities
- Experience leading a large, diverse team across multiple locations
- Demonstrated People Management skills
- Demonstrated strong cross functional collaboration skills
- BS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Experience with manned and unmanned test programs
- Experience in certification test programs (civil or military)
Desired:
- MS or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field
- Technical expert in an aircraft development discipline in addition to flight/systems test
Who you are:
- You are a highly motivated, self starting individual with a broad set of skills and never afraid of facing complex technical challenges
- You are a solution oriented individual with a strong analytical mindset
- You have strong communication skills and can easily tailor your communications to suit the audience
- You can adapt quickly or propose changes needed to achieve early results in a timely fashion
- You embrace challenges and take commitments and deliver results within reasonable expectations
- You are a positive team player
$208,971 - $240,197 a year
Compensation and Benefits:
In addition to offering a great work environment and the opportunity to be part of the team making electric autonomous flight a reality, at Wisk, we offer excellent total rewards which include a competitive base salary, annual bonus, long term incentive, 401K, health benefits and much more.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay Range the Company expects to pay: $208,971 - $240,197 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
