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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Cincinnati, OH

... flight termination systems, IMUs, and System Controllers (flight, canard, CDI, launch, etc.). We ... test results, and other technical information clearly and accuratelyStaying current with industry ...

Engineer, Quality

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Recognizes and understands flight/product safety critical parts and processes. * Responsible for ... Analyzes and summarizes compiled data from test and inspection reports. Generates statistical ...

Engineer, Quality

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

Recognizes and understands flight/product safety critical parts and processes. * Responsible for ... Analyzes and summarizes compiled data from test and inspection reports. Generates statistical ...

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Cincinnati, OH salary details

$41.8K

$129.5K

$195.9K

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 Cincinnati, OH is $129,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $153,600.00 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 Cincinnati, OH?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Cincinnati, OH are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Cincinnati, OH?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Cincinnati, OH are:

What cities near Cincinnati, OH are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cincinnati, OH with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in Cincinnati, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,521 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Hardware Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$76 - $114/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

Join Northrop Grumman - Cincinnati (aka Xetron), part of Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It's that kind of place! But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af0y_8_T6gU) like “This company is insanely advanced” and “Wow. This is mind blowing.” See some of our recent Awards and Recognition (https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/awards) and read about some of the reasons (https://www.cincinnatiexperience.com/) to live in Cincinnati (https://blog.herrealtors.com/post/25-reasons-why-cincinnati-is-an-awesome-city) .

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to join the System Integration & Test (SEIT) team in Cincinnati, OH . The role involves conducting comprehensive verification activities throughout the program life cycle, including requirements analysis, test procedure development, test execution, and formal reporting. This position will be 100% on-site.

Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon obtaining funding, customer approval and holding final clearances prior to start date.

Essential Duties:

  • Develop hardware test requirements and detailed integration test plans, procedures, readiness reviews (TRRs), test data, and reports.

  • Execute hardware qualification testing in accordance with established requirements, plans, and procedures.

  • Conduct hardware tests while managing and prioritizing problem resolution.

  • Compile data to determine necessary changes in test equipment, procedures, or to establish new test requirements.

  • Lead cross-functional testing (including hardware, software, and systems engineers) in both laboratory and field environments.

  • Conduct formal technical reviews, such as Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) with internal stakeholders and external customers.

  • Test Equipment Management that includes the design, development, or integration of specialized test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.

  • Data Analysis of test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and generate comprehensive test reports.

  • Technical and operational problem solving to troubleshoot complex, multi-domain system failures (hardware/software/mechanical) and conduct root cause analyses.

  • Act as the primary technical point of contact during test events, managing customer expectations and reporting results.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of related test experience, or a Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university.

  • Experience authoring hardware test procedures and ensuring data integrity and cataloging under general supervision.

  • Experience with hardware test execution, diagnostics, and formal requirement decomposition with traceability and verification under general supervision.

  • Working knowledge of standard test equipment: RF Power Meters, Frequency Generators, Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Waveform Generators, Synthesizers, Digitizers, and/or Signal Analyzers.

  • Proficient in at least one of the following software packages used in hardware testing: LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python and/or have experience with test interfaces such as: Ehternet TCP/IP, USB, GPIB, RS-232, RS-422, etc.

  • Active US Government Secret Level security clearance or ability to obtain one.

  • US Citizenship is required

  • Ability to work 100% onsite is required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to apply problem solving skills to provide technical hardware solutions to complex engineering test cases.

  • Experience creating automated test scripts that integrate with hardware interfaces.

  • Experience working with operational hazards such as overhead lifting, Thermal Chambers, and Vibration Test systems

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple, shifting priorities while maintaining safety standards.

  • Demonstrated leadership of System Test efforts in a dynamic work environment.

  • Experience with COMSEC material management.

  • Experience engaging external customers through meetings, presentations, and technical negotiations.

  • Active US Government Top Secret Level security clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $75,800.00 - $113,800.00

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.

  • overtime
  • shift differential
  • discretionary bonus
  • annual bonuses
  • Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director positions
  • health insurance coverage
  • life and disability insurance
  • savings plan
  • Company paid holidays
  • 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.

Job Category: Engineering

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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