Product Quality Engineer Area Lead, Flight Test

Employer description

At BETA Technologies, we apply our intellectual curiosity, passion for aviation, and commitment to sustainability toward a shared mission of revolutionizing electric aviation. Regardless of the position one holds, each team member brings their talent and desire to positively impact the environment and lives of others in a refreshing, vibrant, and inclusive culture.

The Product Quality Engineering Area Lead, Flight Test will be responsible leading a team developing, implementing, and maintaining quality processes specific to the Certification Flight Test Program—to maintain conformity of BETA aircraft operated for that purpose. This role ensures that our flight test vehicles meet rigorous safety, regulatory, and conformity requirements. The ideal candidate has experience in aerospace or high-reliability industries, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for advancing clean aviation technology.

• Lead a team in development, implementation, and maintain quality assurance processes for the Certification Flight Test Program.
• Collaborate with Cert Flight Test Engineering, Flight Test Maintenance, Airworthiness, Program Operations, and Supply Chain teams to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Perform root cause analysis, failure investigations, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for product/aircraft issues.
• Ensure compliance with aviation regulatory standards (e.g., FAA, EASA) and industry best practices.
• Establish and monitor key quality metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Review design changes, engineering specifications, and test plans for quality implications.
• Participate in aircraft flight test maintenance activities, validation, and verification to confirm conformance to requirements.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts to address complex product or process issues.
• Provide training and guidance on quality standards, tools, and methodologies. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field or relevant applicable experience.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace, aviation, or high-reliability manufacturing environments, preferably in the aviation or defense industries.
• Experience leading a group of people in a rigorous quality environment.
• Proven experience in program-level quality engineering, risk management, and CAPA processes.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis, SPC).
• Proficient with statistical tools, root cause analysis methods, and quality management software.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative, and evolving environment. 

• Masters degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field or relevant applicable experience.
• Airframe and Powerplant Certificate.
• Inspection Authorization.
• Qualification as an FAA DAR-F
• Experience within an aircraft flight test organization. 
• Experience with composite materials, electric propulsion systems, battery technology, or aviation sub-systems.
• Familiarity with aviation standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., AS9100, FAA/EASA guidelines).
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for reliability (DFR) principles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position requires a mix of office-based work and time spent in lab, hangar, or manufacturing environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to walk, stand, and move through production, test, or hangar areas as needed.
• Occasional lifting of equipment or materials up to 25 pounds
• May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas
• Occasional travel to suppliers, test sites, or partner facilities may be required
• Exposure to typical aerospace prototyping environments including noise, tools, and test equipment.

The wage listed here reflects our best faith estimate for this role. We pay competitively and base compensation on a variety of factors including skills, experience, industry background, and the evolving needs of the role. We remain committed to fair and equitable pay and we're happy to discuss during the interview process.

Build electric airplanes with us!

BETA offers a competitive Total Compensation package designed to support you now and as you grow with us. This role includes both Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members, so everyone shares in our success. You’ll have access to onsite healthcare in Vermont, comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision, short- and long-term disability, and paid parental leave. We also take care of the everyday details with daily lunch provided, and yes—flight lessons are part of the experience, along with a range of additional perks that make work here genuinely rewarding.

We encourage all driven candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. BETA complies with all applicable federal, state and local non-discrimination laws and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind in our workplace.

Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. BETA Technologies participates in E-Verify.