Staff Test Pilot

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!

We are looking for a Staff Test Pilot to join us in the test, evaluation and certification of a new class of all-electric aircraft. As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians and flight test engineers as well as cognizant systems engineers and the certification group to verify and validate a revolutionary new aircraft design. Wisk recognizes the challenges that the UAM industry faces with regard to the certification path for our vehicles. We are taking a pragmatic approach to this task and consequently are looking for experienced flight test personnel to join our talented team to make the certification process as efficient and effective as possible. 

Due to the nature of the work required for this position, this is an onsite opportunity working from our Hollister, CA flight test facility.  Occasional travel to offsite test locations and training facilities will be part of the scope of your duties.

Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards posed by the method and scope of test, and establishing appropriate mitigations.  You will perform flight test, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un-crewed aircraft systems.  In addition, you will develop, review and approve trajectory planning for our UAS mission profiles.  Further, you will report test results to a standard required by certification authorities and you will also support the development of program documentation including restrictions and special instructions to test, Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.  Most critically, you will mentor and lead fellow flight testers, supporting their professional development while exemplifying the elements of Wisk’s Safety Management System. We are considering a diverse range of experience for the role in seeking the best candidate.  

Responsibilities

• Author air vehicle and subsystem test plans

• Evaluate hazards posed by the method and scope of test, and establish appropriate mitigations

• Perform flight tests, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un-crewed aircraft systems

• Develop, review and approve trajectory planning for our UAS mission profiles

• Report test results to a standard required by certification authorities 

• Support the development of program documentation including restrictions and special instructions to test, Aircraft Flight Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures 

• Mentor and lead fellow flight testers, supporting their professional development while exemplifying the elements of Wisk’s Safety Management System.

Requirements

• 8+ years experience as a test pilot in flight testing fixed/rotary-wing aircraft or similarly complex aerospace systems.  

• FAA Commercial Pilot or ATP certificate (Fixed or Rotary Wing)

• Minimum FAA Second Class Medical certificate

• Bachelors of Science degree in a relevant engineering or technical field 

• Depth of experience with both Flight and Operations Safety Risk Management 

• Capability to work within the engineering organization to inform vehicle design

• Experience mission-relating engineering data to operational use cases.

• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired

• 1500+ hours of flight experience, with 200+ hrs in flight test

• Graduate of an engineering test pilot school or program.

• Experience conducting flight programs pursuing FAA/TCCA/EASA Certification

• Unmanned aircraft flight operations experience

• Electric propulsion or high stored energy test experience

• Both fixed-wing and turbine-engine rotary-wing flight test experience

• Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience

• Formal formation flight training and subsequent formation flight experience

• Masters degree in a relevant engineering or technical field

• Familiarity with MBSE processes

Job Type: Full-time

Pay range the company expects to pay: $159,000 - $199,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.

Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.