Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the worlds first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 16 million hours, and 250 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Benton Harbor, Michigan; Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida and Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com.
The SF50 Chief Engineer is an individual contributor role that is responsible for the technical direction of the SF50 platforms and any derivatives that may be developed in this series. This role is responsible for working with the SF50 platform Program Manager and Product Platform Manager on the Customer Experience Team to define future product roadmaps, technology insertion, and product positioning. This role is the defining technical leadership role on the SF50 product line and must drive technology and feature improvements in that product line. Serve as the product line champion.
The location for this position is Cirrus HQ in Duluth, Minnesota, where the Product Development Department is based.
Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions
In addition to those defined by the SVP, Product Development, the SF50 Chief Engineer will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Research emerging technology and determine its applicability to current and future products and services
- Review process documents, drawings, and other technical and administrative documents as required
- Become educated in new technology and its application
- Bring new platform ideas to management for consideration
- Become a technical expert in the SF50
- Regularly meet with sales and marketing teams to understand market trends, needs, and wants.
- Serve on the Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) team
- Work with other product line Chief Engineers to coordinate ideas, technology sharing, and to ensure Cirrus branding in all products and services
- Work with the Advanced Design and Development (AD&D) group for early stage idea development prior to product roadmap insertion.
- Analyze complex problems and recommend solutions
- Develop tools and processes for design of experiments
- Make recommendations to management for innovation paths
- Demonstrate detail and accuracy in problem solving and innovation
- Demonstrate organizational skills and the ability to coordinate between disparate tasks
- Work with the Cirrus Technical Fellow on technology roadmaps and common technology insertion into other product roadmaps
- Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to technical teams and management
- Advise management on technical issues with the SF50 product line
- Complete assigned tasks on time and budget
- Own and maintain the SF50 Product Roadmap
- Provide product strategy and guidance
- Develop input to technology roadmaps to support product roadmaps
- Provide input to product roadmaps
- Communicate technology and product vision to stakeholders
- Serve as Technical Review Board chair for SF50 product line.
- Participate in Change Review Board
- Other duties as outlined by the VP Engineering or other senior leadership.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelors degree (B.A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university, and at least 10 years of technical aircraft and or aircraft systems experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Hold at least a private pilot rating with instrument rating. Commercial pilot rating preferred
- Masters degree preferred.
Other Job Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of MS Project tools, database management; internet software; and spreadsheet, presentation, project management and word processing software. The job also requires proficiency using company web/video/audio conferencing services.
Education Required
- Bachelors Degree or Higher.
Experience Required
- 10 years: Technical aircraft and or aircraft systems experience
Licenses & Certifications Required
- Private Pilots License with instrument rating and the ability to gain a type rating
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.
Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
ABOUT CIRRUS AIRCRAFT
In the world of aviation, Cirrus Aircraft is synonymous with the ultimate flying experience. Known for its stylish, comfortable, high-performance aircraft, total safety system and unparalleled customer service, the company has built a worldwide following of loyal
customers and enthusiastic fans who aspire to own their own Cirrus. Widely accepted as the most sophisticated personal aviation company with the worlds best-selling high-performance piston for the past twenty years and the best-selling single engine jet for the past three years, Cirrus continues to push the limits of innovation in technology, safety and performance.
History
Cirrus Aircraft Corporation was founded in 1984 in a small barn in Baraboo, Wisconsin. From this inauspicious start, Cirrus has grown to become the largest producer of piston-engine aircraft in the world while always maintaining its passionate entrepreneurial spirit. It is this spirit that has over the years attracted some of the worlds greatest engineers, pilots, and aviation thought leaders to the company, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. A spirit that led Cirrus to lead the way in significant engineering achievements – the first all-glass cockpit, the first full aircraft parachute systems (CAPS), and the first certified single-engine jet, now featuring Safe Return Emergency Autoland.
The leadership team under CEO Zean Nielsen is committed to enhancing and growing Cirrus spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and explosive growth since Mr. Nielsen joined over 3 years ago. Cirrus dominates the market with two aircraft platforms: Its SR platform, which includes the SR20, SR22, and SR22T models; and its SF platform, boasting the companys groundbreaking Vision Jet.
Relentless Innovation
The Cirrus story is one of enthusiastic and relentless innovation. Cirrus started by re-imagining personal aviation with a piston aircraft that redefined performance, style, comfort, and safety. After six generations of the SR Series, Cirrus continues to raise the bar with improvements like sophisticated avionics and luxurious interiors.
The Vision Jet is the culmination of that same spirit of innovation. As the worlds first Personal Jet™, the Vision Jet excels in performance and is simple to fly. Its easy to own and operate. And its a pleasure to travel in, as a pilot and as a passenger. With the Vision Jet, Cirrus has ushered in a new era of personal transportation. Its an era where jet speed, jet comfort, and jet convenience are accessible. And, after winning numerous accolades and awards, including the Robert J. Collier Trophy (twice), the company is just getting started. Introducing the Generation 2+ Vision Jet, the latest example of how Mr. Nielsens team is always dreaming up whats next in aviation.
This has resulted in more than doubling of revenue in the last two years as well as many breaking records in margin, profits, and cash flow with the company on a path to double again in the mid-range.
Commitment to Safety
The ultimate level of confidence starts with the total safety solution exclusively offered in every Vision Jet. Available for the first time, the Safe Return™ emergency Autoland system joins a wide array of revolutionary safety systems, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), designed to protect the pilot and passengers.
An Unparalleled Commitment to The Customer Experience
One of Cirruss great strengths is its commitment to creating the ultimate aviation experience. The focus is on exceptional product vision AND an experience vision. Customers around the world will attest to the fact that the Cirrus approach to creating the ultimate flying experience and making the customer feel like a member of a special family is second to none.
For Cirrus, the customer experience encompasses every aspect of ownership. Cirrus provides flight training to customers and prospects, helps them secure financing, assists with maintenance and repairs, and offers everything possible to ensure the ultimate in efficiency, safety, and satisfaction with the aircraft and the experience of owning and flying it.
Cirrus achievements over the last few decades have been truly remarkable. What started with two brothers passionate pursuit of building a different kind of airplane has grown into a thriving business creating general aviations most popular aircraft built around the most loyal pilot customer base in the world. With the introduction of the new Jet, the company is at a remarkable inflection point. As Cirrus prepares for dramatic growth over the next few years, adding to its world-class team of engineering leaders is a top priority.
OUR LOCATIONS
Duluth, Minnesota
As the home to our corporate headquarters, Duluth is a four-season city on the western tip of Lake Superior and was voted Best Town by Outside Magazine. The splendor of the largest freshwater lake in the world offers a multitude of outdoor activities for adventure or rejuvenation. The North Shore lifestyle is known its year-round activities, including bicycle and snowmobile trails, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, golfing, sailing and skiing. And as a top employer in the area, Cirrus Aircraft was recently named “Best Overall Large Company to Work for in the Northland” and “Best Workplace Culture” by the Duluth News Tribune readers.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Chosen as the location for our Vision Center Campus, the hub of our customer experience activities, Knoxville is often described as a hidden gem. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and home to the rambling Tennessee River, the town offers a plethora of outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Very few places feature the opportunity to experience live music, culture, outdoor adventures and
acclaimed cuisine in one location. Its no wonder why Knoxville was recently named as a Top 10
Destination on the Rise by Trip Advisor.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
As our main sub-assembly composite facility, our Grand Forks location is essential to the development of every Cirrus aircraft. Home to the University of North Dakota and the states third largest city, this unique town offers small town charm with an inviting community, centered on hospitality and grand possibilities. Activities in town expand across all four seasons, with abundant city parks, local fishing, collegiate sports, superb arts and theatre, excellent restaurants and
several community events and festivals.
McKinney, Texas
Located just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. McKinney is a picturesque city with a smalltown feel that is quite different from the Metroplexs urban sprawl. A 2019 population of 190,000 is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Beautiful tree-lined streets, diverse residential neighborhoods, outstanding educational opportunities, a robust business environment, a charming historic downtown and a strong sense of community make McKinney truly stand out. The nation continues to recognize McKinney as a stand-out community. Money Magazine ranked McKinney the 1 Best Place to Live in America in 2014.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Nestled between the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale, Arizona features beautiful wildlife scenery with rivers and trails for hiking, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding and more. Old Towns nine walkable neighborhoods provide day and night entertainment filled with art, history, dining, nightlife and shopping. Scottsdale residents enjoy approximately 330 days of annual sunshine and the city is quickly gaining the attention of families and young professionals with the growing number of opportunities, outdoor activities and the citys safety. Additionally, golfers are in luck as the city is coined “The Worlds Finest Golf Destination” with high-caliber courses including TPC Scottsdale, Troon North and Grayhawk.
Orlando, Florida
Located in the heart of Florida, Orlando is home to several lakes, restaurants and famous theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and LEGOland. With a diverse population of over 300,000 people, Orlando is the states fourth
largest city and the 23rdlargest metropolitan area in the United States. The bustling city provides a mix of urban and suburban living. It is an excellent hub for young professionals and families seeking quality education, a thriving economy and year-round entertainment. Mild winters and sunny summers mean more time for outdoor activities and the water sports you love.
