Chief Helicopter Pilot jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Supernal is at the forefront of creating emerging mobility solutions that will foster the development of human-centered cities. We are designing a completely new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored to the mobility needs of future cities. This allows passengers a seamless intermodal journey that safely transports them to their final destination. We fuse research in autonomy, robotics, aviation and services to define a new category of mobility for the world’s communities. We believe in creative thinking and collaboration to help build a better mobility experience for everyone, improving people’s ability to move – whether for work or play.

What we do:

The Experimental Helicopter Test Pilot is a crucial member of the Flight Test team. Their primary objective is to pilot the Supernal air vehicles. They are also responsible for performing normal Test Pilot duties such as testing and certification, developing user interfaces, operating procedures, and providing training.

The Test Pilot will support the development, certification, and demonstration of the EVTOL test and evaluation. They will work alongside a professional and impactful team of test pilots, flight test engineers, flight test mechanics, and support staff. The team's ultimate goal is to supply accurate, repeatable, and cost-effective data to the engineering groups they support.

This position will be required to work on-site 5 days a week.

What you can do:

• Complete experimental flight tests in a rotorcraft helicopter
• Coordinate with flight test engineers to develop test plans, test cards, and test procedures given requirements from the engineering team
• Develop and maintain flight manuals, operations, checklists, and procedures
• Lead and/or participate in the safety of flight and flight readiness review boards
• Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company and FAA procedures
• Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types
• Up to 50% of domestic and international travel
• Other duties as assigned

What you can contribute:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field required; Master’s degree in flight test engineering or related field preferred
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in engineering
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as Experimental Test Pilot (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)
• Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School or equivalent level of experience as Test Pilot
• FAA Class II Medical
• Rotorcraft-Helicopter commercial pilot license
• 1000 PIC total rotorcraft helicopter flight hours
• Experience with Uninhabited Aerial System (UAS) certification and testing
• Experience with Risk Management, including Hazard Identification and preparing Risk Assessment
• Familiarity with standard flight test processes and procedures
• Knowledge of the FAA civil certification process
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive delivery of communication and follow up
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must have the ability to independently prioritize and accomplish work within time constraints
• Proficiency with Excel VLOOKUP, pivot tables, MS Office Suite

You may also be able to contribute:

• Experience with flight testing Uninhabited Aerial Systems (UAS) preferred
• Experience working with the FAA and familiarization with aircraft, helicopter, or powered lift FAA certification programs preferred
• Experience with flight testing eVTOL aircraft preferred
• Experience flying tilt-rotor aircraft preferred
• Experience operating light transport helicopters and/or aircraft preferred
• Experience with formation flying with UAS preferred
• Formation flying, flight training, media demos preferred
• Experience developing/optimizing simulators/ground control station, and training equipment preferred
• Experience in developing digital flight control systems preferred
• Experience flight testing rapid prototype aircraft and components preferred
• Experience working in fast paced small teams preferred
• Familiarity with EDW airspace preferred

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other category or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at: ta-support@supernal.aero

This position may include access to certain technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. export controls laws and regulations. If an export authorization from an applicable US regulatory agency is required in connection with your employment, your employment is contingent upon Supernal’s receipt of such regulatory authorization(s) and your continued compliance with all conditions and limitations pursuant to such authorization(s).