Lead Test Pilot

TL;DR

Lead Test Pilot (Aviation/Flight Testing): Lead a flight operations team to develop and safely execute flight test plans for safety-enhancing automated aviation systems with an accent on FAA-compliant procedures, onboard and remote flight operations, and rigorous test execution. Focus on coordinating contract pilot training and scheduling, partnering with Part 135 airline operations for standardization, and driving flight test data reviews to ensure safe system operation.

Location: Mountain View, CA; San Martin, CA

Salary: $180K - $225K (base) + equity

Company

hirify.global builds safety-enhancing automated aviation technology.

What you will do

• Lead flight test pilots and engineers, providing direction to the flight operations team.
• Develop and safely execute flight test plans supporting R&D, including flying in onboard and remote configurations.
• Coordinate contract pilot training and scheduling, ensuring experimental flight operations are set up for safety and success.
• Coordinate with Part 135 airline operations to standardize pilot procedures across the organization.
• Drive flight test execution, flight test data reviews, and proper operation of the system across the development process.

Requirements

• FAA Commercial Pilot ASEL with 1500 total flight hours, including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine.
• Current Second Class FAA Medical Certificate or higher.
• Experience performing a secondary skillset while piloting (e.g., tactical aircraft, firefighting, cropdusting, SAR, ISR, law enforcement).
• 2+ years of experience in an aviation leadership role.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Ability to comply with U.S. export control requirements for access to controlled information.

Nice to have

• Graduate of an SETP recognized flight test school.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline (or equivalent industry experience).
• Recent Caravan or PT6A experience; experience across multiple aircraft/airframes.
• CFII or military flight instructor experience.
• Experience with automated and/or large remotely operated vehicles (UAS, spacecraft, etc.).
• Experience in flight test programs focused on certification and in developing flight procedures, training curricula, and safety management systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-driven engineering environment focused on improving aviation safety.
• Highly collaborative work coordinating across multiple engineering teams.
• Compensation includes a $180K–$225K base range plus equity.
• Equal opportunity employer with inclusive hiring practices.

Hiring process

• Application review with pre-employment steps as needed, including documentation of U.S. person/non-U.S. person status for export control compliance.
• Interview process focused on flight test leadership, FAA experience, and ability to execute safe flight operations.