The Lead Flight Test Engineer (L-FTE) has the responsibility for the execution of the flight tests in production on serial aircraft and in delivery with the customer. For this purpose, he is qualified to prepare a test order and conduct a production flight with pilots and crew in the cabin with high level of safety.

In addition, L-FTE may support the In-Service aircraft activities by testing corporate jet, second hand or asset aircraft.

Main activities

• L-FTE has specific duties and privileges as a flight test crew member, to perform production flight tests prior to delivery. During delivery, the L-FTE performs a demonstration flight with customers.
• As a crew member, the L-FTE has to coordinate activities within the crew (pilots, cabin crew) and people on board with relevant CRM (Crew Resource Management).
• L-FTE is also in charge of upstream preparation of flights tests and final validation of production flight tests results.
• Follow serial aircrafts status from the FOT (FAL Operational Test) up to the TAC (Technical Acceptance Completion) and the depart of the aircraft after TOT (Transfer of Title).
• Elaboration of Flight Test Orders.
• Validation of the production aircraft doing first flight test program as described in the Production Aircraft Test Manual (PATM) and subsequent flights until the aircraft is ready for delivery.
• Debrief of the aircraft status to the flight line.
• Fly with customer during Customer Acceptance Flight by doing checks described in the Customer Acceptance Manual (CAM).
• Validation of in service aircraft such as corporate jet, second hand or asset aircraft. This is done by performing test program available in the In Service Aircraft Test Flight Manual (ISATFM).

Outputs

• During the aircraft delivery phase the jobholder is a key person towards the customer for technical issue in close collaboration with the Ground Test Engineer.
• With regard to Commitment Letters the jobholder provide his technical expertise to the Contract Department.
• Overall the jobholder us a key technical actor in the OTOQOCD (On Time On Quality On Costs Delivery).

Input 

Qualifications 

• Education: University degree in aeronautics, preferably in flight mechanics or mechanical engineering
• Experience: >10 years in civil aviation, specifically in flight operations or engineering
• Basic Skills: Integrity; Rigorousness; Very good English level and communication skills
• Certifications: Bachelor of Engineering; English CET-6

Ability 

• Soft Skills: Team player; Customer-minded attitude; Ability to work in a transnational team; Ability to analyse problems under stress
• Technical Skills: Good understanding of Airbus aircraft systems and their test methods; Knowledge of flight operations and piloting