Chief Test Pilot

Job DescriptionJob Title: Chief Test PilotLocation: Warton – OnsiteSalary: CompetitiveWhat you’ll be doing:Leading and managing our diverse team of test pilots and flight test personnelPlanning, briefing, executing, and debriefing flight test missions for fast jet and RPAS platformsDeveloping and maintaining flight test procedures, safety protocols, and risk assessmentsLiaising with engineering, programme, and regulatory teams to ensure test objectives are metProviding authoritative input into aircraft design, handling qualities, and system integrationRepresenting the organisation in regulatory and customer-facing engagementsOverseeing pilot training, standardisation, and currency for test operationsChairing or contributing to flight safety committees, trials boards and incident reviewsMaintaining a robust flight safety culture and compliance with all regulatory standards as the Flying Operations Post HolderManaging the provision of test crew SQEP to ground and air programmes on a day to day basisContinuing the development of pilot competencies and test readiness including future technologies as well as providing strategic input into aircraft development and future capability programmesYour skills and experiences:Extensive experience as a military or civilian fast jet test pilotFormal Class A qualification from a recognised test pilot school (e.g., ETPS, USAF TPS, USNTPS)Demonstrated leadership in flight test operations and team management as well as an in-depth understanding of flight test planning, execution, and analysisCurrent CofC or equivalent on military fast jet with valid medical categoryCurrent EASA/CAA CPL/IR with Class 1 MedicalKnowledge of UK and international aviation regulations (CAA, MAA, EASA)Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and complex programmesExperience in developmental and certification flight testingBenefits:As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.The Flight Operations teamThe Chief Test Pilot is responsible for leading and supervising all flight test activities across BAE Systems Fast Jet, Civil Aircraft and RPAS platforms both on the ground and in the air.This senior role ensures the safe, effective, and compliant execution of flight test operations whilst providing strategic leadership , technical expertise , and operational oversight to the flight test team and wider business.The Chief Test Pilot will act as the principal authority on flight test matters, supporting aircraft development, certification, capability enhancement, training and export programmes as well as liaison with other flight test centres, customer organisations and regulators.The role is based at BAE Systems Warton, although the incumbent will be required to support and participate in BAE Systems detachments to both UK and overseas locations, participate in flying-related activities, engagements with partners and customers within the UK and overseas.Why BAE Systems?This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc .) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role , to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.Closing Date: 10th December 2025We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role . Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.#LI-NB1#Onsite