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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Test Engineer (Dragon)

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

... in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for ... engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Controls Engineer

Austin, TX

You will also work alongside the team's AI agents, which carry a real share of the engineering load ... Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You ...

Pae

Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

The Test Engineer will support ongoing and future work for the ECTS team. This role will develop ... Experience supporting complex aerospace, flight hardware, test, integration, operations, or vehicle ...

New

Acutronic

Test Engineer III

Austin, TX · On-site

Acutronic is looking for a Test Engineer III who will perform a wide range of tasks including ... Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and engagement ...

Acutronic Holding AG

Test Engineer III

Austin, TX · On-site

Acutronic is looking for a Test Engineer III who will perform a wide range of tasks including ... Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and engagement ...

SpaceX

Test Engineer, Battery Development

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

TEST ENGINEER, BATTERY DEVELOPMENT The Development Test team is responsible for testing that ... Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required * Physical ...

SpaceX

Test Engineer, Battery Development

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

TEST ENGINEER, BATTERY DEVELOPMENT The Development Test team is responsible for testing that ... Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required * Physical ...

Lockheed Martin

F-35 Test Pilot-Level 5

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

Fly missions such as experimental, developmental, production, engineering flight test, test support, customer demonstration flights and others as assigned. ** Must be a US Citizen. This position is ...

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$40.5K

$125.7K

$190.1K

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

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Texas is $125,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $149,100.00 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 in the Entry Level Flight Test Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 Texas? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Texas? For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas 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 Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,666 per year, or $60.4 per hour.
Test Engineer (Dragon)

Test Engineer (Dragon)

SpaceX

Mcgregor, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
TEST ENGINEER (DRAGON)
The Development Test team is responsible for testing that supports every major program at SpaceX: Starship, Dragon, Falcon, and Starlink. In this role, your primary responsibility will be ensuring engines and components used on Dragon spacecraft have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers specialize in the design and execution of unique tests for engines, components, and spacecraft on an accelerated schedule. This role offers a constant variety of diverse engineering challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on team environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop and execute tests at the engine and component level to evaluate hardware performance and survivability during the mission.
  • Repeated ownership of a test campaign, including test plan creation, new system activation, test operations, data review, and some test stand equipment design/fabrication.
  • Provide daily direction and instruction to technicians to fabricate and integrate test articles and stand equipment.
  • Develop and maintain test procedures, sequences, scripts, configuration files, and software.
  • Operate and troubleshoot data acquisition and control systems, wiring, and instrumentation. DAQ systems are primarily National Instruments-based.
  • Operate and troubleshoot fluid and mechanical systems that include low-to-high-pressure gaseous working fluids and rocket propellants (including hypergols & cryogenics) as well as structural components and supporting infrastructure.
  • Operate mechanical systems; these include test stand support structures, heat exchangers, vacuum pumps, tooling, and fluid components such as valves, reliefs, burst disks, tubing, etc.
  • Automate repetitive test operations to increase efficiency and safety. Develop innovative processes to increase testing capability and rates, while maintaining high rigor of safety.
  • Identify and characterize system pitfalls and potential hazards, then work to resolve such anomalies by collaborating with design engineers on improvements for test stands and flight hardware.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, or other engineering field
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical systems, structural systems, propulsion systems, fluid systems, flight hardware, or test operations
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, accomplishing tasks with limited resources at a rapid pace
  • Knowledge of hazardous systems (cryogenic, flammable, hypergolic, pyrophoric) and high-pressure system design and handling
  • Strong multitasking abilities with a high degree of ownership in project management, consistently driving projects from planning through to successful completion
  • Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure situations, with the ability to provide clear and decisive guidance to fellow teammates during high-risk operations
  • Familiarity with instrumentation and control components (pressure transducers, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), strain gauges, accelerometers, flow meters, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatic valves)
  • Experience using 3D modeling software (Siemens NX, Inventor, CATIA, etc.)
  • Experience with at least one coding language (Python, Matlab, C, C++, Java, Visual Basic)
  • Experience reviewing data from anomalies and identifying root causes
  • Experience writing and maintaining test procedures and hardware work instructions
  • Creative ability to imagine and design from scratch, while retaining low-cost, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability
  • Ability to read, understand, and apply technical manuals, data reports, mechanical schematics, electrical schematics and design specifications
  • Ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively in both individual and group settings - candidates should enjoy working on a team and be able to work efficiently with others, including stressful situations such as rapid pace operations and times of limited resources

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Flight hardware is typically built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required
  • Physical effort including sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying weight such as materials or equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Work performed in an environment with exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Ability to comfortably wear breathing air respirators on a frequent basis, occasionally for extended durations, as required by the position
  • Occasionally exposed to work in extreme outdoor environments (heat, cold, rain)
  • Must be available to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts, which vary depending on site operational needs; flexibility required

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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