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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Illinois

RFA Engineering

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... Quality/Test Engineer The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff ...

Rfamec

Quality/Test Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... quality engineering activities. * Experience with data collection and test data analysis.

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$42.2K

$130.7K

$197.7K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Illinois is $130,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,200.00 and $155,000.00 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 Illinois?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities in Illinois 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 Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,706 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Quality/Test Engineer

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facilities.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Quality/Test Engineer
The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff supporting quality, validation, testing, reliability, and continuous improvement activities associated with engines, powertrain systems, cast components, and off-highway construction and mining equipment. Work may involve laboratory testing, machine testing, failure analysis, root cause investigations, product validation, manufacturing quality support, and supplier quality activities. The work will be highly collaborative with engineering, manufacturing, validation, quality, and supplier teams.
Responsibilities
  • Support quality, validation, and testing activities for engine, powertrain, and off-highway equipment programs.
  • Develop and execute test plans, test procedures, and validation activities.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to evaluate product performance, reliability, and durability.
  • Investigate product, component, and system failures and perform root cause analysis.
  • Support prototype, pilot, and production build activities.
  • Work with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to resolve quality concerns.
  • Support APQP activities, FMEA development, and product validation processes.
  • Participate in product improvement, cost reduction, and product health initiatives.
  • Support reliability, durability, and performance testing activities.
  • Create and maintain test documentation, reports, and quality records.
  • Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support factory operations through troubleshooting and quality improvement activities.
  • Travel to supplier or customer sites pending project needs (up to ~10%).

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Entry level candidates and experienced candidates will be considered.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal.
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment.
  • Ability to travel (less than 10% of time).

Desired Attributes
  • Experience with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning).
  • Experience with FMEA, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
  • Experience with validation, testing, reliability, or quality engineering activities.
  • Experience with data collection and test data analysis.
  • Experience supporting manufacturing operations and production environments.
  • Experience with quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Exposure to engines, powertrain systems, off-road equipment, heavy machinery, or industrial products.
  • Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focused on product quality, reliability, and performance.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $70,000-$95,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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