Flight Test Engineer

Flight test engineers are responsible for multiple aspects of the maintenance and use of aircraft. They monitor nearly every aspect of flight, including space flight, rotary wing flight (helicopters), and fixed-wing flight. They also monitor pilots closely and work with them to ensure a safe and smooth flight for the passengers.Flight test engineers typically work indoors in airplanes, usually up to ten hours per day or as many as eighteen. Flight test engineers work very closely with airplane staff to make sure everything is running smoothly, and the typical work environment is a team-based effort to ensure all planes, helicopters and space shuttles are working properly. Their on-the-job responsibilities involve sitting behind the copilot in the cockpit and ensuring that all valves and levers that must be flipped or pulled are fixed for the pilots who can’t reach them.Flight test engineers also do pre-flight and post-flight inspections in the cockpit and around the plane to make sure everything is ready for the following takeoff. Flight test engineers also control the air conditioning, heating and oxygen safety controls.Those in this position typically have a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Cognitive Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Employers typically require a Bachelor’s degree in two or more of these fields.

As a Flight Test Engineer with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

• Conducting flight tests and analyzing data to assess aircraft performance, stability, and control. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating flight tests to ensure the aircraft's performance meets the required specifications.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop test plans and procedures. You will work closely with engineers, technicians, and pilots to define test objectives, design test plans, and establish test procedures.
• Identifying and troubleshooting technical issues during flight tests. Your role involves identifying and resolving any technical issues or anomalies that arise during flight tests, ensuring the safety and integrity of the aircraft.
• Documenting test results and preparing comprehensive reports.

For a Flight Test Engineer, the following qualifications are required:

• In-depth knowledge of aircraft systems, including avionics, propulsion, and flight controls, to analyze and evaluate test data accurately.
• Strong understanding of flight test principles, methodologies, and safety regulations to ensure compliance and efficient execution of test plans.
• Proficiency in using flight test instrumentation and data acquisition systems to collect and analyze flight data for performance evaluation and system validation.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve issues during flight testing, ensuring the safe and successful completion of test objectives.

For Flight Test Engineers in Canada with 6-9 years of experience, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options:

• Aerospace Systems Engineer: A position that involves designing and developing aerospace systems, including aircraft components and systems.
• Avionics Engineer: A role focused on the design, development, and testing of aircraft electronics and communication systems.
• Flight Operations Manager: A position that involves overseeing flight operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing flight crew and resources.
• Aerospace Project Manager: A role that involves managing aerospace projects, including planning, budgeting, and coordinating activities to ensure successful project completion.

The job role of a Flight Test Engineer in Canada is expected to experience steady growth in the market over the next 10 years. With the increasing demand for new aircraft models and advancements in aviation technology, employment opportunities for Flight Test Engineers are projected to increase. According to recent data from Google, the aerospace industry in Canada is anticipated to grow, leading to a rising need for skilled professionals in fields related to flight testing. This growth trend suggests that there will be a significant number of employment opportunities available for Flight Test Engineers in the future.