Flight Dynamics Test Pilot
Role Overview
Aevum Zenth's Aerospace & Defense division is seeking an exceptional Flight Dynamics Test Pilot to lead captive and free-flight evaluation programs for next-generation hypersonic vehicles, autonomous drone swarms, and commercial spacecraft. You will operate at the intersection of real-world flight validation and high-fidelity simulation, working alongside our cross-divisional engineering, AI, and advanced materials teams to push the boundaries of atmospheric and suborbital flight.
This role requires a rare blend of pilot expertise, analytical rigor, and systems-thinking. You will fly cutting-edge airframes, interpret complex flight dynamics data, and provide critical feedback that shapes vehicle design, control laws, and autonomous decision-making architectures.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute flight test missions across fixed-wing, rotary, VTOL, and experimental hypersonic platforms
- Develop and refine test cards, flight envelopes, and abort criteria in collaboration with flight test engineers
- Analyze real-time and post-flight telemetry data to identify control anomalies, stability margins, and performance deviations
- Validate high-fidelity digital twins and AI-driven flight control models in simulation and live flight
- Interface with cross-divisional teams (Zenth Digital Systems, Aevum Energy & Power) to integrate next-gen propulsion and avionics
- Maintain rigorous documentation standards and deliver technical briefings to engineering leadership
- Contribute to pilot training programs, standard operating procedures, and safety protocol development
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field (Master's preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of test pilot experience, with demonstrated expertise in flight dynamics and control systems
- Type ratings or operational experience with high-performance fixed-wing, rotary, or advanced VTOL platforms
- Proficiency with flight data acquisition systems, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or C++ for data analysis
- Strong understanding of aircraft stability, aeroelasticity, and non-linear control theory
- Active security clearance or ability to obtain TS/SCI within 90 days
- Exceptional situational awareness, risk assessment capabilities, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with autonomous systems, swarm coordination, or AI-integrated flight controls
- Background in hypersonic aerothermodynamics or scramjet propulsion testing
- Certification in FAA/EASA Part 21/145 or equivalent military test pilot school (e.g., NASA, USAF, EASA)
- Published research or technical contributions to flight dynamics literature