Ampaire, a leading tech startup in California's electric aviation sector, is seeking an Experimental Test Pilot. This role involves executing flight tests of hybrid electric aircraft, collaborating with operations for scheduling, reviewing aircraft readiness, writing test cards, completing post-flight reports, participating in safety analyses, and working with maintenance and FAA representatives. The position requires a multi-engine commercial rating, current FAA Class II Medical, 1,500+ PIC flight hours, and 3+ years of experimental aircraft experience. Desired qualifications include graduation from a formal test pilot school, experience with various aircraft types, and hands-on experience with high voltage and high power systems. The role reports to the Manager, Integration & Test, and involves travel for remote flight campaigns.

Description

Company Overview

Ampaire is a tech startup based in California that is leading the charge in electric aviation. We are on a mission to provide the world with electric commercial flights that are affordable, quiet, and environmentally conscious. We are building the future of air travel by reimagining the way people and their things fly. We are a practical and lean start-up that quickly iterates and learns, and this has allowed Ampaire to be among the first of the electric aviation companies to fly. We currently are flying what we believe to be the world’s largest electrified aircraft by weight and capacity.

Role and Responsibilities:

Execute flight test of experimental hybrid electric aircraft including
- First flights
- Envelope expansion
- Marketing
- Ferry/Hours Accumulation
Collaborate with aircraft operations for scheduling of ground and flight tests
Review flight/test aircraft readiness
Write and/or review test cards
Complete post-flight reports for operations, maintenance, and engineering
Participate in safety analyses
Collaborate with maintenance
Collaborate with FAA representatives (e.g. DAR)
Flight test base in Camarillo, CA and potentially other LA-area airports
Ability to travel for multi-day and occasionally multi-week remote flight campaigns
Reports to Manager, Integration & Test

Required Qualifications:

Multi-engine commercial rating with high performance and complex endorsements
Current FAA Class II Medical
1,500+ PIC total aircraft flight hours
3+ years of increasing responsibilities in flying experimental aircraft

Desired Qualifications:

Graduate of a formal test pilot school (USAF TPS, USNTPS, NTPS, etc…)
Small reciprocating experimental aircraft flight experience
Skymaster, Caravan and King Air aircraft flight experience
Electrified propulsion aircraft flight experience
Glider flight experience
Experience interacting with DARs
5,000+ PIC total aircraft flight hours
8+ years of increasing responsibilities in flying experimental aircraft
Hands-on experience with operating high voltage (800V+) and high power (50 kW+) systems and safety practices