Avionics Flight Test Pilot

Company Overview:

Aspen Avionics, a part of The AIRO Group, designs, certifies, and manufactures critical navigation, communication and display components and integrated systems that equip clients with unparalleled precision and accuracy. AIRO’s Aspen Avionics group has a proven track record of excellence, with over 600 FAA certifications. This impressive achievement highlights our commitment to meeting stringent regulatory requirements while advancing avionics technology.

Aspen Avionics is developing the next generation of advanced General Aviation Avionics systems that will bring new levels of Functionality, Usability, Integration and Value to existing and new aircraft for a broad spectrum of General Aviation aircraft. Aspen Avionics is offering a unique opportunity to join a highly focused and motivated team of engineers in defining, designing, and implementing these advanced systems.

Position Overview

The Manager of Flight Operations / Flight Test Pilot is responsible for actively flying Aspen’s flight test aircraft to evaluate and validate in-development avionics systems. This role combines hands-on flight testing with leadership of Aspen’s flight operations program, ensuring avionics products are tested in real-world flight conditions and meet both operational and regulatory requirements.

The individual in this role will serve as Aspen’s primary flight test pilot, conducting evaluation flights, developing flight test plans, and providing critical pilot feedback to engineering teams. The position plays a key role in defining Aspen’s next generation of avionics systems and ensuring they deliver exceptional functionality, usability, integration, and value for pilots and aircraft operators.

This is a highly collaborative role that works closely with engineering, certification teams, and the FAA to ensure that Aspen’s products meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and commercial competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Flight Operations & Flight Testing

• Serve as Aspen’s primary flight test pilot, operating company aircraft to evaluate new and modified avionics systems
• Plan and conduct flight test missions to validate avionics functionality, performance, and integration
• Develop FAA-compliant flight test plans and execute flight test programs
• Generate and maintain flight test reports and documentation
• Evaluate avionics systems from a pilot usability, safety, and human factors perspective
• Provide direct feedback to engineering teams to improve design, functionality, and pilot interface

Aircraft & Flight Program Management

• Oversee the maintenance, airworthiness, and operational readiness of Aspen’s flight test aircraft
• Provide direction and oversight of aircraft maintenance and modifications, working with internal staff or external AMTs
• Ensure all flight operations are conducted with the highest safety standards

Engineering & Certification Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering and software teams to evaluate new avionics features and ensure they meet real-world pilot needs
• Support certification efforts and interface with the FAA regarding:
• Flight test plans
• Experimental airworthiness certificates
• Certification flight testing
• Company flight test reports

Additional Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional teams in the development of next-generation avionics products
• Contribute to Aspen’s vision of functionality, usability, integration, and value in product design
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating
• CFI preferred
• Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate preferred
• Current FAA Class I or Class II Medical Certificate
• 1,000+ total flight hours in General Aviation Aircraft
• Experience operating advanced avionics systems
• Strong technical, analytical, and communication skills
• Project management and leadership abilities
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams
• FAA Flight Test DER or FAA Flight Test experience preferred

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field required
• Engineering degree preferred

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families, including:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Basic Life Insurance – fully paid by the company for employees and their dependents
• Long-Term Disability Insurance – fully paid by the company
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance options

Our goal is to provide benefits that promote health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Aspen Avionics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you currently hold a FAA Commercial Pilot License with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings?
• Do you currently hold a valid FAA Class I or Class II Medical Certificate?
• How many total flight hours do you have?
• Do you have experience conducting flight testing or flight evaluation of aircraft systems or avionics?
• How would you describe your experience working with advanced avionics systems?
• Have you ever participated in FAA certification or experimental flight testing programs?

Work Location: In person