TEST AND EVALUATION MANAGER – FAcT

We’re all about the craft. 

KF Aerospace is proud to deliver innovative aircraft solutions for corporate, commercial and military customers worldwide. Launched 50 years ago out of Canada’s Okanagan Valley, KF has grown to specialize in a wide range of aviation services including maintenance and modifications, air cargo operations, military pilot training and aircraft leasing. With facilities across Canada, KF is home to a 1,100 strong, highly skilled workforce. Our passion for our craft fuels every project we touch.

The Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program is an aircrew training program to prepare pilots, Air Combat Systems Operators, and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators to meet the future aerospace requirements of the Royal Canadian Air Force. As part of the SkyAlyne Team, KF Aerospace will operate a Test and Evaluation Team to conduct test activities in support of the entry into service of FAcT aircraft and Ground Based Training System (GBTS) devices.

JOB OVERVIEW

The qualified individual will support the FAcT Transition Team by leading the development and execution of an integrated test program for the five fleets of FAcT aircraft and the associated GBTS devices (including aircraft simulators, part task trainers, and virtual training devices). They will lead an Integrated Test Team (ITT) composed of both contractor (SkyAlyne Team) and DND RCAF personnel in test and evaluation activities required to achieve GBTS certification and acceptance and aircraft Release to Service (RTS) under the DND Airworthiness System for the aircraft. The T&E Manager will report to the FAcT Head of Engineering and will lead a team of operational and technical test specialists and coordinate activities with the OAA staff, AETE, qualified aircrew employed by other SkyAlyne Team members and the RCAF.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Management and direct the FAcT ITT
• Lead recruitment and staffing of KF Aerospace portion of the ITT
• Lead the development of the Integrated Test Program for each of the five (5) fleets of FAcT aircraft and the associated GBTS devices
• Plan and oversee all OT&E activities for all five fleets to support the Operational Airworthiness Clearance process and to determine operational readiness of each of the five training solutions
• Establish a close working relationship with DTAES, AETE and 434 Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron to facilitate the involvement of DND in the integrated Test Program
• Oversee the preparation, conduct and reporting of all Contractor tests including:
  1. Airworthiness certification flight testing (as required)
  2. Simulator validation data collection
  3. Simulator certification testing
  4. Operating publications development and evaluation
  5. Aircraft Life Support Equipment (ALSE) testing
  6. Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) testing
  7. Anthropometric testing
  8. Aircraft requirements specification compliance testing
• Prepare test documentation including test plans, test procedures, test cards, and test reports
• Provide test instrumentation, data acquisition, data reduction, and data analysis as required for test activities
• Support the development of flight publications for the five (5) fleets of FAcT aircraft
• Prepare, implement and execute a FAcT ITT Flight Test Safety Plan, including a formal safety review board process
• Co-chair (with DND) the ITT Flight Test Safety Review Board
• Coordinate the provision of test aircraft, test crews, facilities, and aircraft/GBTS devices for test activities
• Coordinate assignment of contractor and DND/RCAF personnel to act as pilot in command or to participate in test events

REQUIREMENTS 

• Military or professional test flying experience within the last 10 years
• Minimum of 2000 hours of flying on turbine powered aircraft (Fixed Wing or Rotary Wing)
• Graduate of a recognized year long flight test course in aircraft test and evaluation
• Proven experience leading a team in Flight Test and Evaluation/GBTS Test and Evaluation development and execution either as Flight Test Pilot, Flight Test Engineer or Flight Test Systems Evaluator in a leadership position
• In depth knowledge of airworthiness regulatory requirements. Previous experience working in the DND Airworthiness System and AETE is an asset.
• Experience in the development and execution of operational test and evaluation activities such as operational publication development and evaluation, selection and testing of ALSE equipment, and anthropometric assessment.
• Knowledge of GBTS development and test procedures and ICAO 9625 GBTS requirements. Experience with virtual training devices is an asset.
• Proven ability in the design and execution of large scale test programs
• Proven experience in developing effective test plans and flight test reports
• Proven experience in coordinating activities of multiple stakeholders
• Current or prior military aviation instructional qualification is an asset
• Experience coordinating or participating in an OT&E program is an asset

Our ideal candidate has:

• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Excellent communication skill to include experience producing well written flight test reports
• Proven ability to manage test and evaluation risk 
• Ability to work independently, managing tight deadlines and multiple concurrent activities
• Strong interpersonal skills, encouraging and enabling collaboration amongst team members and stakeholders
• Availability to travel to operating and manufacturing sites for on-site testing

BENEFITS

Full-Time staff benefits include (but are not limited to):

• Relocation support from anywhere in Canada
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Excellent work-life balance
• Virtual, 24/7 on-call medical care
• Bonus program based on organizational performance
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• Extended Health and Dental
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Personal Wellness Spending Account
• The opportunity to bank overtime for additional time off
• Pension matching plan and voluntary RRSP
• Free financial advice