Flight Test Engineer

As a Flight Test Engineer at Applied Intuition, your primary responsibilities include creating and executing flight test plans, engaging with EpiSci leadership and customers, and overseeing the successful execution of flight tests across various programs. You will play a major role in influencing flight test activities, particularly ensuring these programs are adequately staffed and aligned with customer needs.

To be considered for the Flight Test Engineer role at Applied Intuition, candidates must have an advanced degree in a technical field related to aerospace, as well as completed training in NTPS, USAF TPS, Navy TPS, or equivalent. Furthermore, experience in defense acquisition, test, and evaluation of aviation products, in addition to leadership skills, is essential.

Yes, the Flight Test Engineer role at Applied Intuition involves travel. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time to meet customer needs and ensure successful flight test campaigns. This travel is crucial for hands-on involvement and maintaining strong communication with stakeholders.

At Applied Intuition, the work environment encourages collaboration and flexibility. Although the company primarily operates in-office, employees are trusted to manage their schedules responsibly and may work remotely on occasion to accommodate personal commitments, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while actively engaging with the team.

The Flight Test Engineer position at Applied Intuition values candidates with prior military flight test experience, FAA airspace sUAS experience, and sUAS autopilot operations. Possessing an FAA Part 107 license or a private pilot license is also advantageous, as these certifications highlight your dedication and expertise in the field.

As a Flight Test Engineer, critical skills include strong leadership abilities, deep understanding of the US Defense space, and robust communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated complex test programs, collaborated with diverse teams, and ensured operational safety.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you authored or refined test plans, detailing your approach to setting objectives and collaborating with team members. Highlight any challenges faced during planning stages and how you overcame them to achieve successful test outcomes.

Discuss strategies you've employed to foster team collaboration, such as regular communication sessions, structured documentation practices, and clearly defined roles for test team members. Real-life examples where collaboration led to improved test results can be particularly impactful.

Emphasize your experience with data analysis tools and methodologies that you use to assess flight test results. Talk about how you analyze data for trends, validate test objectives, and make informed recommendations for future tests based on your findings.

Be honest about your experience and describe specific projects you worked on. If applicable, mention any challenges faced when collaborating with DoD partners and how you successfully navigated those dynamics while achieving project goals.

Discuss your systematic approach to refining flight test objectives by involving key stakeholders at every level—understanding their needs and leveraging their insights to make necessary adjustments. Highlight any frameworks or tools you employ to ensure clarity and achieve desired outcomes.

Outline your problem-solving approach in managing unexpected issues. Talk about how you develop contingency plans, communicate with the team, and utilize your technical expertise to swiftly address complications while ensuring overall safety.

Provide a detailed account of a specific flight test campaign where your leadership made a difference. Training and preparation, team dynamics, outcomes, and lessons learned are all important elements to include in your story.

Mention the importance of documentation in maintaining a clear record of test plans, execution, and results. Discuss how good documentation practices enable better communication among team members and contribute to long-term project success.

Emphasize the key role of relationship management in flight testing. Describe how you cultivate partnerships through regular communication, building trust, and addressing shared challenges while creating opportunities for collaboration.