Head Of Flight Test (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Head of Flight Test (Aerospace): Leading the end-to-end flight test organization for unmanned systems with an accent on safety, airworthiness, and operational scaling. Focus on building a mature flight test capability across multiple international locations while maintaining rigorous regulatory compliance and high-tempo testing cycles.

Location: Must be based in Munich, Germany

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology company designing and manufacturing high-performance, software-defined unmanned systems for NATO Allies and partners.

What you will do

• Own the full flight test organization, including pilots, flight test engineers, operations managers, and safety compliance staff.
• Define and execute the flight test strategy across all platforms, from simulation to full-scale flight testing.
• Establish and maintain the master Flight Test Operations Manual (FTOM) and standardized test-planning methodologies.
• Hold independent flight test safety authority, managing Safety Review Boards, hazard analysis, and risk acceptance.
• Interface with regulatory bodies such as LBA, LufABw, and EASA to drive airworthiness and operational authorizations.
• Build and scale local flight test units in the UK, Ukraine, and Greece, ensuring common processes and national authority compliance.

Requirements

• 12+ years in flight test, military aviation, or aerospace test and evaluation, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record of building or running flight test capabilities with end-to-end accountability.
• Working knowledge of UAV operating permits (EASA specific category, DEMAR, or EMAR).
• Business-fluent English (C1+) and working-level German (or a credible plan to achieve it).
• NATO member-state citizen eligible for German security clearance (Ü2/Ü3).
• Willingness to build and manage teams on the ground in the UK, Ukraine, and Greece.

Nice to have

• Graduate of a recognized test pilot school (ETPS, EPNER, USNTPS, NTPS).
• Background in UAS, loitering munitions, or eVTOL flight testing.
• Prior Design Organization experience and named postholder/Form 4 acceptance.
• Experience standing up flight test operations in multiple countries.
• Knowledge of STANAG 4586 and STANAG 4671.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to lead a critical function in a fast-growing defense technology company.
• Direct impact on the technological edge of NATO Allies and European defense.
• High-tempo environment that values fast iteration and safety-first decision-making.
• Responsibility for building a global organization from the ground up.