Flight Test Maintenance Technician

Job Purpose

The Flight Test Maintenance Technician supports experimental aircraft programs by installing, troubleshooting, and repairing aircraft systems across multiple platforms. The role involves hands‑on work with flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel systems, and engines to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant aircraft performance throughout flight test operations. As part of a new aircraft certification program, the technician contributes to the development, integration, and validation of next‑generation systems that advance the aircraft toward regulatory approval and entry into service.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform all aircraft maintenance as required to support mission readiness; inspect, test, adjust, and repair aircraft mechanical systems including flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and engines.
• Support aircraft repairs and modifications for experimental aircraft.
• Perform pre‑ and post‑flight inspections; remove and install engines; rig flight controls; remove, install, and rig landing gear; and carry out additional related maintenance duties.
• Test mechanical equipment under simulated or actual operating conditions to determine performance and airworthiness, using test equipment, such as hydraulic test stand, pressurization test stand, tension meters and bore scope etc.
• Adjust, replace, or repair defective components based on analysis of functional test results, following blueprints, schematics, handbooks, and other technical documents.
• Perform, document, and verify engineering changes, modifications, and updates; maintain accurate records for inspection and compliance.
• Collaborate with system engineers on design changes, modifications, and troubleshooting.
• Operate ground support equipment safely and support ground operations for flight‑test activities.
• Perform ground operation and line service for experimental operations.
• Maintain accurate records of all work performed in compliance with FAA and company standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; comply with FOD control, tool control, 5S, PPE, and all safety programs.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Proficiency in mechanical, airframe, and powerplant systems including installation, repair, and fabrication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment in aircraft repair and fabrication, effectively collaborating with engineers to address design and modification requirements.
• Effective collaboration with engineers, suppliers, and vendors; able to represent the company professionally.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Strong prioritization, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing schedules and operational needs.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime as required.
  
  

Qualifications, Experience, And Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Applicable work experience minimum 3-5 years required.
• Hands‑on experience with aircraft repair or modification.
• Experience with experimental aircraft or R&D programs preferred.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Incumbents may be routinely exposed to equipment, operational noise, various weather conditions, and/or aircraft equipment, parts, or fuel odors.
• Incumbents may be required to stand, sit, squat, walk, bend, climb ladders, move, reach, or stretch for prolonged time periods with no restrictions, as required by job duties.
• Work in a safe and professional manner while adhering to all regulatory requirements (FAA, OSHA, DOT, EPA, State, and Federal regulations, etc.).
• Read, hear, speak, and see with no restrictions, as required by job duties.
• Comprehend and adhere to management directions and/or safety instructions with no restrictions.
• Pull, push, carry, lift, or move items up to 50 lbs. throughout the work shift without assistance, as required by job duties.
• Pull, push, carry, lift or move materials/people/items/equipment weighing up to 50lbs or more during the work shift, with the use of Company provided “reach assistance technology” or “movement assist technology” (fork-lifts, pallet jacks, pulleys, dolly’s, robotics reach equipment, people movers etc.), as required by job duties.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, heights up to 25’ and various environments as needed.