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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Alabama

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Software Test Engineer to join The Theater High ... Defense Agency (MDA) Ground and Flight test and the Department of Defense (DoD) Joint ...

New

Data Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$80 - $105/hr

Work directly with test team and data engineers to develop tests and gather test insights using ... May be required to attain a Class III flight physical to support experimental flight test in rotary ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$39.4K

$122.3K

$184.9K

How much do entry level flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Alabama is $122,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,600.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level flight test engineer do?

An Entry Level Flight Test Engineer supports the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests for aircraft and aerospace systems. They assist in developing test plans, collecting data, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and performance standards. This role involves working closely with senior engineers, pilots, and technicians to validate aircraft functionality and system performance. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of aerodynamics and avionics are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level flight test engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Flight Test Engineer, you need a background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, a solid understanding of aerodynamics and data analysis, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with data acquisition systems, control theory, flight simulation software, and sometimes certification in FAA or military testing protocols are important technical aspects. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These abilities ensure safe, accurate testing and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, which are crucial for developing and validating aircraft performance.

What types of projects or aircraft could I expect to work on as an entry level flight test engineer?

As an Entry Level Flight Test Engineer, you may work on a variety of flight test campaigns, ranging from testing new aircraft prototypes to evaluating modifications on existing platforms, such as fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Early in your career, your responsibilities may include supporting instrumentation setup, assisting in mission planning, and collecting and analyzing test data under the guidance of senior engineers. You’ll likely rotate through different project teams, gaining exposure to various flight systems, test protocols, and data analysis techniques. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the full aircraft development and certification process while supporting your professional growth in the aerospace field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama?

For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,258 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Flight Sciences Loads & Dynamics Engineer

DESE Research, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

DESE is seeking a Flight Sciences Loads & Dynamics Engineer in Huntsville, AL. The Flight Sciences Loads & Dynamics Engineer supports the design, analysis, and validation of advanced aerospace and defense systems through structural dynamics analyses and loads development across all phases of the product lifecycle. This role evaluates structural response to dynamic environments, vibration, shock, and other operational conditions to ensure system performance, reliability, and mission success. The ideal candidate possesses expertise in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and dynamic environments for aerospace systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities
  • Perform structural dynamics analyses and develop loads and environments for aerospace and defense systems, including spacecraft, aircraft, and missile platforms.
  • Develop and analyze finite element models to evaluate structural response under static and dynamic loading conditions.
  • Conduct vibration, vibroacoustic, shock, and dynamic response analyses to support system design and qualification.
  • Develop and validate structural loads and dynamic environments throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Perform engineering trade studies and provide technical recommendations to optimize structural performance and system reliability.
  • Collaborate with systems, mechanical, structural, manufacturing, and test engineering teams to support integrated product development.
  • Utilize industry-standard analysis tools to evaluate structural behavior and support design decisions.
  • Develop automation scripts and data processing tools using MATLAB or equivalent programming languages.
  • Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations supporting engineering reviews, customer deliverables, and program milestones.
  • Support system integration, environmental testing, qualification activities, and correlation of analytical models with test data.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience performing structural dynamics analyses and loads and environments development for spacecraft, aircraft, missiles, or related aerospace systems.
  • Experience performing structural dynamics analyses, structural loads development, or environments development.
  • Expertise in vibroacoustic and shock analyses for spacecraft, launch vehicles, or similar aerospace platforms.
  • Experience developing finite element models and performing analyses using NX Simcenter, NASTRAN, LS-DYNA, Wave6, or equivalent analysis tools.
  • Experience programming and utilizing MATLAB or equivalent software for engineering analysis and data manipulation.
  • Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills grounded in engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to work effectively within a highly integrated, multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance; U.S. Citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting aerospace, missile, or defense programs.
  • Experience correlating analytical models with structural, vibration, or environmental test data.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or digital engineering environments.
  • Knowledge of military and aerospace structural dynamics, vibration, and environmental testing standards.
  • Experience supporting system qualification, flight testing, or launch vehicle development programs.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants - DESE Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following alternative email address or phone number to contact us about your interest in employment with us: hrandsecurity@dese.com or 256-837-8004x123.

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