{"id":2542365,"url":"https://alion.io/job/westerkirk-flight-test-operations-manager","title":"Flight Test Operations Manager","company":{"id":1319405,"name":"Westerkirk","domain":"westerkirk.ca","url":"https://alion.io/company/westerkirk","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Dayforce","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":83,"open_postings":10,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.9,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":17,"computed_at":"2026-10-15T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Management","role_family":"Management","seniority":"staff","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Calgary, Canada"],"countries":["CA"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":73000,"max_usd":117000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":56},"experience_years_min":15,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-14T06:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-14","last_verified_at":"2026-10-15T14:36:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":1,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":1},"description":"Flight Test Operations Manager\nAbout the Role\nWe are seeking an experienced Flight Test Operations Manager to lead aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, aircraft certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support activities.\nReporting to Engineering leadership, the Flight Test Operations Manager provides functional leadership for flight test activities and oversees a team of professional and engineering personnel, including Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers.\nThe successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring flight test operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, company standards, policies, and procedures.\nThis is a leadership role requiring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage complex flight test programs, resources, risks, and cross-functional relationships.\nKey Responsibilities\nLead and oversee aerospace flight test operations supporting Engineering development, certification, continued airworthiness, and fleet support.\nAssign and authorize critical resources required to execute flight test operations.\nProvide functional leadership, direction, coaching, and development to Engineering Test Pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and Aircraft Configuration Controllers.\nApprove test procedures and formally endorse Safety of Flight documentation, as applicable.\nReview and approve flight test risk assessments and ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are established and implemented.\nOversee the timeliness, effectiveness, and efficiency of flight test activities while optimizing resources based on product knowledge, risk, competency, and training currency.\nMaintain appropriate standards for flight test crew operations, training, development, and critical skills.\nLiaise with Engineering leadership and domestic and international certification authorities, including Transport Canada, FAA, and other applicable regulatory organizations.\nProvide technical review and approval of flight test procedures, risk assessments, and related documentation.\nDrive continuous improvement of flight test procedures, practices, and processes to improve safety and operational efficiency.\nSupport the planning and execution of new and major flight test programs, including development and validation of estimates, assumptions, deliverables, schedules, and resource requirements.\nPrepare, forecast, and administer department budgets and staffing plans in accordance with organizational targets.\nCarry out people leadership responsibilities, including recruitment, performance management, employee development, and, where required, disciplinary processes.\nCoordinate with Flight Operations, Engineering, and other functional groups to support successful execution of flight test programs.\nParticipate in relevant internal councils, functional leadership forums, and continuous improvement initiatives.\nMaintain professional relationships with external associations, working groups, technical panels, and other industry organizations as appropriate.\nPromote a culture of safety, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.\nQualifications and Experience\n15–20 years of experience in a flight test environment.\nApproximately 10 years of progressive professional experience in a leadership or management capacity overseeing flight test engineering operations, activities, or programs.\nExperience as a flight test crewmember is strongly preferred.\nBachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.\nPrivate Pilot Licence, where applicable to the incumbent's assigned flying responsibilities.\nExperience with commercial aircraft certification processes and standards, including Transport Canada and FAA requirements; knowledge of EASA processes is an asset.\nExperience with Safety of Flight principles, flight test risk assessment, and risk mitigation.\nKnowledge of modern 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