Do you want to make a difference and help train the world’s best test pilots, NFOs/WSOs/Navs, and Flight Test Engineers?  If so, we have the job for you!

Calspan has been at the forefront of aircraft Flying Qualities (FQ) for over five decades, ever since Calspan’s Bob Harper helped craft the Cooper-Harper Handling Qualities Rating Scale that is still widely used today.   Calspan has been flying Variable Stability System (VSS) aircraft since the 1940s. We have operated over a dozen VSS type aircraft throughout our 80+ year history and have been actively flying at the USAF and USN Test Pilots Schools since the 1960s.  Today, we continue to operate the X-62A Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) for the USAFTPS, and our core handling qualities instruction is conducted in Calspan's variable stability Learjets.

Calspan supports aerospace industry innovators by teaming with seven of the eight SETP-recognized test pilot schools to provide world-class airborne instruction.  We are looking for experienced Test Pilots to join our team at our Aerospace headquarters and Flight Operations facility in Niagara Falls, NY.  A successful candidate will be involved in various flight testing we conduct in our fleet of Learjets and our Gulfstream III aircraft, to include AI and Autonomy research, satellite testing, aerial refueling, and other exciting technical projects.

Every single thing we do with our customers and employees is based upon our goal of being selective to join and difficult to leave. We operate with a core set of values surrounding inclusiveness, accountability and innovation. Do you have what it takes to Be Calspan?

Core Responsibilities:

Primary duties include flying and evaluating modified aircraft for research and development (R&D) and Test Pilot training. Duties also include reporting on results and performance from flight test sorties.  Responsible for all aspects of flight test including test and safety planning, execution and reporting.

Our Test Pilots participate in all aspects of flight testing including: handling qualities demonstration and research flights; upset recovery training flights in experimental aircraft; proposal preparation; experiment design; aircraft and systems preparation; flight test planning and implementation; data analysis, and technical report writing.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Regularly contribute to the development of new concepts, techniques, and standards as an expert in the field within the business group.
• Develop solutions to complex problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation. Ensures solutions are consistent with business group and organizational objectives.
• Perform work independently without appreciable direction. Exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments.
• Serve as consultant to management and serve as the external spokesperson for the business group/functional organization on major matters pertaining to its policies, plans and objectives. Participate in new business proposal preparation. 

Preferred Education / Experience

• Recognized Test Pilot School graduate*
• Pilot License - FAA Commercial, Multi-Engine Land, Instrument Rating, Class II FAA medical
• Minimum 750 hours of turbine PIC time.
• Five years progressive experience and responsibility as a test pilot in a flight-test organization.
• BS degree in appropriate Engineering discipline is desired.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for a Secret Security Clearance
• Must have the ability to travel up to 25-35%

Please note, we are open to considering:

*Non-TPS Graduates that meet the above listed flight experience may be considered in certain circumstances.  These candidates will undergo 6-12 months of in-house formal training if selected for the position. 

Hybrid remote work would be considered depending on location, must be available to fulfill our flight schedule requirements.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability: 

• Experience with project management, flight testing and evaluations of aircraft stability and control, flying/handling qualities, flight control systems or other airborne systems.
• Flight test instructor experience; teaching academic theory and airborne test techniques.

Why join Calspan?:

Advantages of this Role:

Calspan offers a wide range of Test Pilot duties to include cutting-edge R&D flying, Test Pilot instruction and great career development. Calspan also has many business and operational leadership roles related to experienced Test Pilots.

Be Calspan Culture:

At Calspan, we promote an environment that empowers employees and encourages innovation. Our management team enables a strong sense of teamwork with each endeavor, where successes are shared and lessons are learned. The company’s talent brand, “Be Calspan”, incorporates our company values to Be Inclusive, Accountable, and Innovative and our commitment to drive every individual to - Be Developed, Be Balanced, Be Connected, Be Community and Be Recognized. Our culture promotes a positive atmosphere and competitive can-do method of action.

Great Benefits = Happy, Committed Employees:

Retaining great talent is as important as finding it, so at Calspan, we take our employee value proposition of Be Calspan quite seriously. To us, that means offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, recognition programs and promotional opportunities. Our benefits include: Health Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short-Term/Long-Term Disability, 401(k), Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Life Insurance Policy, Paid-Time Off, Company-paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, Military Leave, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Reimbursement, and Pet Insurance.

Calspan is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Calspan supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications.  Calspan is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.