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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar. * 5+ ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test ... Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language * Experience with ...

Quality Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$108K - $211K/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 ...

Quality Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$108K - $211K/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 ...

Software and system testing of all In-flight Entertainment (IFE) functionality for existing systems ... The main function of a MTS Test Engineer is to develop, implement, and document all testing ...

Canopy's engineering centers around extreme environment materials needed to withstand heat ... test campaigns to validate simulation results * Lead the review of post-flight data and compare the ...

... test campaigns to validate simulation results * Lead the review of post-flight data and compare the ... Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials ...

... test campaigns to validate simulation results * Lead the review of post-flight data and compare the ... Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in chemistry, physics, structures, materials ...

New

Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, ... flight environment. * Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or ...

Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, ... flight environment. * Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or ...

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$45.4K

$140.7K

$212.8K

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Riverside, CA is $140,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,100.00 and $166,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,721 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Propulsion Test Engineer

Anduril Industries

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril's Propulsion Manufacturing Engineering Team is seeking a Propulsion Test Engineer to join our team. The propulsion manufacturing test team is responsible for high scale production testing of jet engines and subcomponents.
As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end-of-line static-fire test operations. The right person for this role has the ability to both build new clean-sheet static-fire test equipment as well as troubleshoot and improve existing systems. If you are someone who can independently drive projects to completion and own a critical part of engine production then this role is for you.


WHAT YOU'LL DO 

  • Develop test stands, instrumentation packages and equipment to support production engine test and integration.
  • Act as sole 'buck-stops-here' owner for static-fire production testing operations
  • Design test procedures and processes for production technicians to operate test facilities
  • Develop system requirements and test campaigns for Anduril's wide range of airbreathing turbine applications.
  • Work with engine control systems including FADEC's, ECU's, Starter-Generators and related hardware.
  • Work with actuators, sensors, connectors and architecture of engine control systems.
  • Test, diagnose, and analyze engine data on test stands, on test expeditions, and in flight test.
  • Lead data reviews and root cause investigations


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar.
  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience in gas turbine, aerospace test engineering, or rocket propulsion roles
  • Experiencing designing, building and qualifying test equipment
  • Experience with instrumentation types, selection and data acquisition
  • Familiarity with test planning, readiness reviews, P&IDs and other test documentation
  • Engineering programming ability in Python, Matlab or other scripting language
  • Experience with airbreathing or rocket propulsion testing
  • Ability to collaborate well with other electrical, mechanical, software, firmware, and test engineers.
  • Practical experience with diagnostics monitoring, failure detection, RCCA and data analysis.
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
  • Travel time up to 50%
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to assist with designing simple mechanical parts (CAD). Knowledge of manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.) preferred.
  • Experience in procuring development parts and working in a fabrication environment
  • Familiarity with CAN, XCP, ARINC or other common bus protocols
  • Experience with CANape or similar CAN interface tool.
  • Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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