2

Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Illinois

This is not an entry-level position and requires practical knowledge of electronic test procedures ... Work closely with engineering and production teams to resolve issues * Support new product ...

This is not an entry-level position and requires practical knowledge of electronic test procedures ... Work closely with engineering and production teams to resolve issues * Support new product ...

As a B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, you will work alongside a dedicated team of engineers and ... the flight crew to ensure all avionics systems are functioning properly. * Calibrate and test ...

As a B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, you will work alongside a dedicated team of engineers and ... the flight crew to ensure all avionics systems are functioning properly. * Calibrate and test ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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 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:

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, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,706 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Engineer Embedded Software

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join us as an Engineer, Embedded Software - Manufacturing Test Engineering (IRCM) based on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.
This position will support software efforts associated with testing Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment.
Behavioral Traits sought out:
  • The Manufacturing Software Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups.
  • We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies:
  • a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership
  • b) Acts with Speed
  • c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience
  • d) Leads with Courage
  • e) Sets vision for the assigned products
  • f) Builds a High Performing Team

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
What you will get to do:
  • Design, integrate, validate, and release software for Acceptance Testing of LRUs and System level sell-off supporting multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) including Processors, Sensors, Transmitters and system-level testing.
  • Collaborate with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) to coordinate cross-functional test software development from requirements capture through final validation and release, and driving collaboration among product design engineers, test hardware engineers, quality assurance engineers, and manufacturing technicians.
  • Develop and maintain documentation for Manufacturing Acceptance Test and Environmental Screening procedures.
  • Review testability of products and collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Familiarity with communication protocols including RS-232, GPIB, TCP/IP
  • Familiarity with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines.

Basic Qualifications for the Embedded Software Engineer (IRCM):
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience; OR a Master's degree in equivalent fields with 0 or more years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience using C# / C / C++
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for the Embedded Software Engineer (IRCM):
  • 2 or more years of experience in electronic hardware Manufacturing environment and/or electronic hardware software or firmware design environment preferred.
  • Experience with use of lab test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Power Supplies, Power Meters.
  • Experience developing automated test software
  • Prior software troubleshooting experience of test equipment or prime hardware.
  • Experience developing in Visual Studios
  • Experience developing in LabView / TestStand
  • Experience using GitHub.
  • Active DoD Security Clearance.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $87,600.00 - $131,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939