Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil rotorcraft located in Torrance, California.  Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications.  We have a strong engineering team; almost 85 of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location.  We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying.  Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognition from our customers.

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Flight Test Engineer at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world. The Experimental Flight Test Engineer is part of a small and nimble test team that plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems. The Experimental FTE works closely with other engineering members to convert their requirements into safe and efficient test plans and procedures. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.

Responsibilities

• Formulate experimental flight test requirements.
• Participate as a test crew member or a test conductor in development and research flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
• Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing test plans, test cards, and flight test reports.
• Conduct flight test sorties briefs and debriefs.
• Provide detailed requirements and/or assist in developing specialized flight test instrumentation required to achieve test objectives and goals.
• Conduct analysis of flight test data to prepare reports and technical publications.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
• Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
• Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross-functional technical issues.
• Document and control test articles configuration.
• Develop and monitor test schedules with project engineers and managers.
• Lead and/or participate in flight test safety programs to ensure testing hazards are mitigated to reduce risk and to promote safe execution of tests. This includes participation in flight test plan reviews, pre and post flight briefings and test readiness reviews.
• Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc.) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification.
• Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
• Maintain flying currency as a flight test engineer in multiple experimental rotorcrafts.

Required Qualifications

• Four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited academic institution.
• 5+ years’ experience as an experimental rotary wing flight test engineer.
• Significant experience managing risk and safety in the experimental flight test environment.
• Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed and/or rotary-wing aircraft.
• Excellent academic record.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others
• Ability and willingness to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel to and support operations at offsite locations when needed.
• Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
• Thorough understanding of technical theories, concepts and practices in the fields of experimental flight testing, rotorcraft aerodynamics, performance and flying qualities.
• Working knowledge of aircraft systems and avionics flight testing methods and of the applicable FAR requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized flight test school or possess substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs
• Significant experience in defining, designing and installing specialized flight test instrumentation in experimental aircraft.
• DER and/or ODA experience.
• Master of Science degree in engineering or a related technical field from an accredited academic institution.
• FAA Helicopter pilot certificate and experience.

What can a career at RHC offer you?

We offer our teams members opportunities for professional development, training, and learning.  Our performance management system is structured to provide opportunities for career focused development.  Our career development is supported with a great tuition reimbursement program.

Compensation & Benefits:

Robinson Helicopter Company offers salary increases twice a year.  We offer comprehensive group health plans including medical EPO, PPO and High Deductible Health Plans with Health Savings Account, dental, vision and other supplemental plans which begin on the day you begin employment with RHC.  Our Supplemental Plans include Voluntary Life Insurance, and Pet Insurance. RHC offers a competitive 401k Plan.

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about quality assurance in manufacturing, and your career goals include working with a dynamic team with exciting products such as helicopters, why not apply; give yourself a chance to speak with our team. Robinson Helicopter Company is known in the industry for its exceptional efficiency in the production and assembly of helicopters. We encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Robinson Helicopter Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.