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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

AEVEX

Mechanical Engineer 2

Washington, DC · On-site

Job Overview A Mechanical Engineer 2 is responsible for designing, analyzing, and improving ... Support build, integration, and flight test activities; rapidly troubleshoot mechanical issues

MAG Aero

E2 NFO with Security Clearance

Fairfax, VA · On-site

MAG Aerospace is seeking an E-2 C/D Flight Test Naval Flight Officer (NFO). Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Provide support to the VX-20 Integrated Test Team Planning, execute, debrief and ...

AEVEX

Software Engineer 3

Washington, DC · On-site

$65 - $87.50/hr

The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and ...

Aurora Flight Sciences

Structures Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$92K - $164K/yr

Structures Engineer Position Overview At Aurora Flight Sciences, we design, build, and fly advanced ... test preparation, execution, and reporting results to validate and verify components meet ...

KBR, Inc.

Quality Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$121K - $201K/yr

Ensure that flight hardware anomalies, corrective actions, and re-verifications are documented in ... Test Readiness Reviews (MRRs and TRRs) * Examine process design and/or process qualification ...

KBR

Quality Engineer

Greenbelt, MD

$121K - $201K/yr

Ensure that flight hardware anomalies, corrective actions, and re-verifications are documented in ... Test Readiness Reviews (MRRs and TRRs) * Examine process design and/or process qualification ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$45.3K

$140.3K

$212.2K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Reston, VA is $140,328.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,800.00 and $166,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA 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 Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,328 per year, or $67.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer 2

AEVEX

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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

Job description

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position in Tampa, FL, Huntsville , or Northern, VA.

Job Overview

A Mechanical Engineer 2 is responsible for designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical systems and components.

Essential Functions

  • Support the planning and performing engineering research, design, and development in conformance with design, engineering, and customer specifications
  • Identify and document requirement through customer interface
  • Create and review Mechanical CAD drawings and component layout designs
  • Create, review, and maintain assembly drawings for enclosures, circuit boards, internal and external cable assemblies, etc.
  • Design and support tooling, fixtures, and jigs for prototype builds, test, and low-rate production
  • Apply DFx principles (DFM, DFA, DFS, DFR) to improve manufacturability, assembly, reliability, serviceability, and cost
  • Support rapid prototyping (3D printing, composites, machined parts) and hands-on integration
  • Assist with conducting tolerance analysis, basic structural trade studies, and environmental considerations
  • Support build, integration, and flight test activities; rapidly troubleshoot mechanical issues
  • Utilize industry and/or military specifications for Shock, Vibration, Temperature and Humidity requirements to develop and validate products
  • Support the creation and maintenance of engineering documentation (drawings, user instructions, bill of materials, etc.)
  • Support manufacturing with aiding in work instruction generation, technical guidance on process settings and aid in development/implementation of new manufacturing test/build equipment as need
  • Support production/fabrication by working closely with technicians on product build
  • Other duties as assigned

Standard Essential Functions

  • Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
  • Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
  • Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications

  • Familiarity with 2D or 3D engineering design and manufacturing tools (e.g., AutoCAD, ProE or other)
  • Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards
  • Familiarity with engineering analysis tools (ANSYS, ProMechanica or similar)
  • Proficient knowledge of Solidworks
  • Detail oriented and capable with working in a team environment
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education / Certifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related discipline.

Experience

  • 3-6 years of mechanical engineering experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

  • Frequently required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
  • Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

  • Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.