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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA

$34 - $38/hr

You'll work at Zipline's test site(s) and coordinate closely with reliability engineering, software ... Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution - Acting as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline ...

Reliable Robotics

Hardware Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$118K - $170K/yr

You will be creating automated test stands to replicate extreme flight conditions on our hardware ... Work closely with design engineers and flight test engineers to design, build, test and improve ...

AeroVironment

Systems Test Engineer I

Moorpark, CA

$66K - $101K/yr

Participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs * Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

Systems Test Engineer I

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$66K - $101K/yr

Participate in test and flight readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs * Ensure test assets are prepared to support testing, including proper configuration of product hardware and ...

Anduril Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test ... Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language * Experience with ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities * Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked * Complete all ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities * Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked * Complete all ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA

You'll work at Zipline's test site(s) and coordinate closely with reliability engineering, software ... Own end-to-end daily flight test campaign execution - Acting as Remote Pilot in Command for Zipline ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities * Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked * Complete all ...

Joby Aviation

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other control room responsibilities * Perform miscellaneous engineering duties as tasked * Complete all ...

General Atomics

Engineer II

Poway, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team, in Poway, CA. This engineer will be expected to work independently to ...

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$133.1K

$201.3K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in California is $133,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $157,900.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in California are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,118 per year, or $64 per hour.

Engineering Flight Test Specialist II

AeroVironment, Inc.

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$31 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Engineering Flight Test Specialist II acts as remote pilot in command for unmanned aircraft systems or vehicles for flight testing, acceptance test protocol (ATP), Flight Acceptance Testing, and various internal and external demonstrations
Position Responsibilities
  • Prepares detailed post flight test reporting and is required to report, follow and ensure adherence to all safety protocols
  • Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance
  • Performs flight demonstrations (also in charge of demo equipment, planning, travel, etc.)
  • Leads Flight Factory Acceptance and Site Acceptance Testing events
  • Responsible for acceptance quality control ("QC") system testing before flight test and after flight test
  • Manages flight teams inventory and ensure all equipment is in good working order
  • Responsible for checking in and out flight test-owned equipment
  • Analyzes and solves problems that develop during flight testing
  • Consistently exhibits substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge/skills to complete a wide range of tasks
  • Works on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues or in making recommendations
  • Performs troubleshooting tasks for off the shelf vendor payload integrations and writes post test procedure
  • Normally receives little instruction on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments
  • Completes Jira tasks within the timeline assigned
  • Travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
  • 2 - 4 years of relevant work experience is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Experience working with manufacturing systems, processes and procedures
  • Requires advanced computer operation skills, including familiarity IP protocol and experience with MS programs
  • Experienced in controlling systems (i.e. RC Aircraft) requiring quick thinking, quick reactions, awareness of subsystem failure symptoms and quickly adapting/responding with appropriate emergency procedures
  • Understanding of basic flight planning within FAA/ICAO regulations
  • Must have and maintain a clean DMV record, in order to drive company vehicles
  • Ability to travel within the Continental U.S. in support of flight testing (Frequent)
  • Required to pass FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft exam
  • Will be required to pass an Annual Proficiency And Readiness Test (APART)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
  • RC/UAS experience is desired
  • Prior Military and/or Aviation experience is preferred
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
  • Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
  • Must be able to travel (International & Domestic) up to 80%

Physical Demands
  • Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs. of cases of varying size (Frequent)
  • Lift up to 70 pounds as well as objects of varying sizes for shipment to & set up at various customer training sites (Occasional)
  • Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
  • Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Frequent)
  • Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Frequent)
  • Repeatedly throw objects up to 16lbs over shoulder (Frequent)
  • Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
  • Crouching, reaching and keying (Frequent)
  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)

Clearance Level
Secret
The salary range for this role is:
$31 - $48
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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