Overview
As Principal Flight Test Engineer, you lead large-scale flight test campaigns and certification activities for AALTO’s Zephyr platform. You will coordinate ground and flight tests across UK and international sites, translating stakeholder needs into test requirements and risk mitigations. You drive evidence-based decisions by analyzing system performance and ensuring compliance with development and certification standards. This role puts you at the core of Stratospace innovation, shaping how high-altitude platforms enable secure, persistent operations. You will work with a cross-functional team to deliver safe, validated flight test programmes that support regulatory approvals and commercial
Pay / Benefits
- 25 days holiday
- private medical insurance
- dental and optical cash back
- personal pension plan
- income protection
- life assurance
Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver, and report flight test campaigns to meet development and type certification requirements
- Safely manage ground and flight test activities in the UK and worldwide
- Elicit and translate stakeholder requirements into test artifacts
- Manage individual test activities and flight test risk
- Deliver impact analysis for changes and associated documentation
- Verify comprehensive implementation of system and subsystem requirements
- Evaluate system changes and added functionality from test results
- Ensure testing aligns with AALTO development and certification standards
Key requirements
- Extensive Aviation industry experience
- Degree level or higher in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
- Proven Flight Test Engineer or Trials Officer experience in civilian/military settings
- Strong understanding of modern aircraft systems and flight dynamics
- Experience with aviation regulators or Part 21 organisations
- Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., MATLAB) and everyday computing
- Ability to work independently and in a team; willing to travel overseas and work extended hours
- Excellent interpersonal communication across disciplines and seniority
- Strong communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Adaptability
- MATLAB
- Flight dynamics and performance analysis
- Knowledge of DO 160 environmental test requirements
Principal Flight Test Engineer in Farnborough employer: AALTO HAPS
AALTO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Farnborough where innovation meets aerospace excellence. As part of Team AALTO, you'll enjoy a culture that values collaboration and creativity, alongside comprehensive benefits such as private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a personal pension plan. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to employee well-being, AALTO is dedicated to unlocking your potential while you contribute to pioneering advancements in Stratospace.
