Chief Test Pilot - Mountain View, CA

Reliable Robotics is an innovative technology company specializing in building safety-enhancing systems for the aviation industry with the ultimate goal of saving lives. The company is pioneering automated aviation systems designed to fundamentally transform air transportation, making it safer, more efficient, and more convenient for moving goods and eventually people around the planet. Reliable Robotics brings together an expert team of mission-driven engineers with diverse experience spanning aerospace, robotics, and autonomous driving vehicles. This interdisciplinary expertise fuels the company’s vision of revolutionizing the way the world experiences air travel and cargo transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a future where automated systems take flight with safety and precision. At Reliable Robotics, the Chief Test Pilot holds a pivotal leadership role, directly responsible for overseeing all experimental flight operations. Reporting to the Director of Flight Operations, the Chief Test Pilot plays a key role in the collaborative development and execution of complex flight test plans, coordinating closely with multiple engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of technology, safety protocols, and operational efficiency. This role demands a high level of expertise not only in piloting but also in leading teams, training pilots, and contributing to the development of aviation safety management systems within an advanced aerospace environment. The Chief Test Pilot serves as the company’s primary experimental test pilot, managing the scheduling and training of contract pilots to meet the rigorous standards necessary for experimental flight operations. Additionally, they work hand in hand with the company’s Part 135 airline operations to harmonize pilot procedures and contribute meaningfully to the standardization and safety of aviation practices across Reliable Robotics. The role’s responsibilities extend beyond flight test execution to encompass safety oversight, leadership, and strategic planning within experimental flight contexts. This position requires a seasoned aviator with extensive flying experience, including a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot ASEL certificate and a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, incorporating significant fixed-wing, turbine engine, cross-country, night, and instrument flight time. The ideal candidate also has proven leadership experience, with at least two years managing or performing flight test programs and a strong background in tactical or similar operation settings. Additional preferences include educational qualifications in engineering or science disciplines, certification from recognized flight test schools, and familiarity with systems engineering and software principles. The Chief Test Pilot must demonstrate an ability to operate independently and lead teams effectively, showing a commitment to safety and excellence. This role offers a competitive salary range from $140,000 to $260,000, accompanied by valuable benefits such as stock options, employee medical coverage, 401k contributions, and a collaborative, casual work environment. Given the nature of the work, some travel is required, up to 25% of the time. Reliable Robotics is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring fair employment practices without discrimination based on various protected characteristics. The company prioritizes compliance with U.S. export control laws due to the sensitive nature of the technology involved, requiring applicants to meet specific legal criteria to handle export-controlled information. Candidates also have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking, high-impact company dedicated to fundamentally transforming aviation safety through innovation and teamwork at the forefront of aerospace technology.

• FAA commercial pilot ASEL certificate
• Minimum 1500 total flight hours including at least 500 fixed wing and 500 turbine engine hours
• Minimum 500 cross-country flight hours
• At least 100 night flight hours
• Minimum 75 instrument flight hours
• 8 or more years of professional flight operations experience
• 2 or more years of flight test program or aviation leadership experience
• Current second class FAA medical certificate or higher
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time