Electric Aircraft (eVTOL) Flight Test Operator

About LIFT and the role

LIFT Aircraft builds HEXA, an 18-rotor, single-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Through AirFirst, our first-response program with public-safety agencies in the Austin area, we’re training first responders to fly, testing HEXA in real-world response, and proving that help can arrive faster by air.

As a Flight Test Operator, you'll fly and support the test flights that support LIFT programs. You'll work the ground control station and support the aircraft before, during and after every flight. You'll also turn each flight into clean data and documentation for our engineers.

What you'll do:

On flight days

• Run the ground control station: monitor aircraft systems, telemetry and battery state through every phase of flight.
• Fly as remote pilot in command on uncrewed test flights, and support crewed flights from the ground.
• Run preflight and postflight checklists, and help set up and break down the test site.
• Make clear, timely calls on what you see. Speak up on safety at any moment.
• Follow the test plan and the Test Lead's direction, and take part in briefings and debriefs.

Between flights

• Download, label and hand off flight logs and data to engineering the same day.
• Keep batteries and charging equipment ready, with charge state and cycle records current.
• Write and update checklists, procedures and test reports so the next flight is easier and safer.
• Help troubleshoot faults and take part in root-cause reviews of mechanical, electrical and software issues.
• Support aircraft assembly, repairs and upgrades alongside our maintainer and engineers.
• Pick up hangar and program work between test blocks. Waiting on batteries or logs is still work time.

Over time

• Help shape the procedures and lessons learned that will become the agency training program.
• Take ownership of specific systems or areas as you learn the aircraft.

Required qualifications

• Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• 2 years of hands-on experience operating multirotor UAS, including ground control station software and remote pilot experience.
• Experience in safety-critical operations, such as flight test, aviation, military, public safety or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to follow written procedures and checklists exactly, and the judgment to stop when something looks wrong.
• Clear, calm communication on a radio or headset under time pressure.
• Organized record-keeping: logs, data files and written reports others can rely on.
• Basic mechanical and electrical skills, and comfort working with hand tools and wiring.
• Ability to work on-site in the Austin area and support flexible test schedules.

Preferred qualifications

• Formal flight test experience: test cards, build-up testing, test reports.
• FAA private pilot certificate or higher (airplane or rotorcraft), or other crewed flight experience.
• Ability to obtain and keep an FAA medical certificate.
• Interest in piloting HEXA from the seat. Onboard operators must meet the aircraft's weight limit (currently 235 lbs.).
• Experience configuring and tuning flight controllers (such as PX4 or ArduPilot).
• Experience building or repairing multirotor drones.
• Familiarity with operating regulations as defined by 14 CFR Part 91/103/107
• Comfort analyzing flight data in Excel, Python or similar tools.
• Experience with BVLOS UAS operations

Working conditions

• Work is split between the hangar and outdoor test sites, in Texas heat, cold and wind.
• Long stretches standing, walking, kneeling and working around the aircraft.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs, such as batteries, equipment and aircraft components.
• Wear hearing and eye protection and other PPE around operating aircraft and batteries.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to test sites.

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary: starting at $65k (commensurate with experience), plus stock options.
• Medical (PPO and HMO options), dental and vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Flexible paid time off.
• On-the-job training on HEXA systems, safety procedures and our flight test process.

LIFT Aircraft is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000