At Wisk, we’re proud to have an incredibly talented team. We invite you to meet some of the people who are helping to develop our aircraft and push the boundaries of aviation. Miles Parker, a Staff Flight Test Engineer, is responsible for designing and executing complex test plans for our aircraft.
We spoke with Miles to discuss his journey, his role, and his favorite memories at work.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I’m a Staff Flight Test Engineer and a Test Conductor on the Flight Test and Operations team. My primary responsibility is to develop and execute test plans for our aircraft. This involves collaborating with a wide range of engineering teams to get the data they need. A big part of the process is conducting safety hazard analysis before our plans can be approved. When I’m not developing plans, I’m often executing tests to train our crew and prepare the Ground Control Station. It’s my job to ensure every test mission is safe, efficient, and effective, and to report any deficiencies so the engineering teams can act quickly. My day-to-day is always varied, which is a big part of what makes it so engaging.
What drew you to a career in Flight Test Engineering?
I was motivated to step into Flight Test Engineering after talking to a Boeing manager about how I enjoyed working with cross functional teams to complete complex tasks. I enjoy learning how multiple systems interact with each other and at the time started to dig into aviation more. The rest was history.
What is a project you’ve worked on at Wisk that you’re most proud of?
One of my proudest projects at Wisk is working with the Systems Test team to develop a tilt actuation rig. It was relatively small in scale but it was nice to be a part of the design process instead of focusing solely on testing. Every time I see the rig it brings a smile to my face.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting a career in aviation?
First, find a role you’re truly passionate about. Second, network and find a mentor—someone who is in a place you want to be. And finally, you have to grind. Find ways to sharpen yourself in the industry, whether it’s through extracurriculars, reading articles, or pursuing licenses like your Part 107 or private pilot’s license.
What’s your favorite memory with your colleagues at Wisk?
It’s hard to choose just one, but our extended trip to Long Beach for the Gen 5’s public flight demo at the Festival of Flight definitely stands out. We were able to achieve the first public eVTOL demonstration in the LA basin! We spent a lot of time packing, shipping, building, and testing. While there were many 4 a.m. mornings getting ready for flights before the air traffic picked up, there were also great evenings with coworkers—golfing, chilling by the beach, and trying new restaurants.
What do you like to do for fun?
When I’m not skillfully achieving test points with the team, I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, playing basketball, riding my motorcycle in the twisties, or golfing.
If you weren’t a flight test engineer, what would your dream job be?
I wouldn’t switch roles with anyone. We are at the forefront of autonomous electric passenger travel and I couldn’t be happier to embark on this journey with my teammates. I would not want to switch because Flight Test interfaces with every part of the company. Due to the collaborative nature of Test I switch roles/responsibilities frequently at Wisk and it keeps my job very interesting day to day.
However, if money wasn’t a concern, I’d either be a racecar driver or a part-time farmer and construction worker. Tractors were my first love because I’ve always enjoyed being outside in the dirt, and that love eventually transformed into a love for cars. To this day, a yellow CAT on a construction site will always catch my eye, and a roaring V8 will always make me turn my head.
Want to join the team? We’re hiring