At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flight test campaigns and ensure safe execution of ground and flight tests.
- Company: Join AALTO, a pioneering Airbus subsidiary in stratospheric technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a personal pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value your unique circumstances.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of aerospace in Stratospace.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Physics and experience in flight testing required.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
Location: Farnborough
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week - Hybrid
Travel: International travel for deployments
AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace, is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time, with a current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace, delivering services to commercial and government partners.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Flight Test Engineer to join the AALTO Flight Test Engineering team. In this role, you will report to the Director of Flight Test Engineering and be involved with all phases of development and certification testing. You will manage the successful execution of test activities, including gathering test requirements from stakeholders, developing test documentation, conducting reviews, coordinating ground and flight testing, and reporting findings to drive informed decision-making.
Responsibilities to include:
- Support planning, delivery and reporting of flight test campaigns to meet company development and type certification requirements.
- Safe execution and management of ground and flight test activities both in the UK and AALTO sites worldwide.
- Elicit, analyse, and derive requirements from stakeholder needs.
- Manage individual test activities and flight test risk.
- Manage changes with the delivery of impact analysis.
- Verify that the system and sub system requirements are correctly and completely implemented.
- Evaluate system changes, including new and expanded functionality.
- Ensure the system is tested to AALTO development and certification standards.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Aviation industry experience.
- Educated to degree level or higher in Engineering, Physics, or equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience as a Flight Test Engineer or Trials officer within a civilian/military flight test organisation.
- Extensive experience and understanding of modern aircraft systems, flight physics and a desire to learn more.
- Experience in working with Aviation Regulators and or Part 21 organisations.
- Excellent computer skills – proficiency with day-to-day applications used for email, word processing etc, as well as data analysis experience using MATLAB or similar.
- Skills understanding and analysing complex data within flight dynamics and performance or systems.
- Must be able to work both independently and in a team and when required to travel overseas and work extended hours.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines and seniority.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Knowledge of uncrewed air systems.
- Working within flight test organisations for aircraft under development.
- DO 160 environmental test requirements.
- Evaluation of systems and equipment to DO 178 and 254 requirements.
- Flight Test Engineer graduate from a recognised Test Pilot School.
- Exposure to complex manned/unmanned Flight Test and aircraft certification programmes.
- Experience working with aviation regulators/airworthiness bodies such as the CAA, EASA, FAA or MAA.
- Manned or large unmanned flying experience or Licence.
In addition to an attractive market-aligned salary, we offer:
- Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.
- Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
- Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.
- Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.
- Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.
- Getting around: Drive the latest vehicles with our discounted salary sacrifice scheme.
- We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.
- Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, from household goods to travel!
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at AALTO, you can register your details here.
Senior Flight Test Engineer in Orpington employer: AALTO HAPS
AALTO is an exceptional employer located in Farnborough, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. As part of a passionate team dedicated to pioneering the Stratospace domain, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive health coverage, alongside opportunities for professional growth and international travel. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a culture that values collaboration and excellence, AALTO stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Flight Test Engineer in Orpington
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AALTO HAPS for a Senior Flight Test Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Flight Test Engineer in Orpington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AALTO HAPS, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AALTO HAPS, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AALTO HAPS
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AALTO HAPS.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AALTO HAPS. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AALTO HAPS love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
