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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

CANOPY A&D

Thermal Protection System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

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 ...

IAPMO

Plumbing-Test Technician II

Ontario, CA · On-site

$23.17 - $29.52/hr

Perform engineering calculations such as flow rate, load testing, and opening area measurements ... Support training and development of lab technicians and entry-level staff, including guidance on ...

RESOLVEM USA

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineer 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the job Most entry-level EE jobs put you in a corner running the same test for a year. This ... Why RESOLVEM? We're an engineering services firm specializing in R&D design support of new products ...

RESOLVEM USA

Be Seen First

Electrical Engineer 1

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

About the job Most entry-level EE jobs put you in a corner running the same test for a year. This ... Why RESOLVEM? We're an engineering services firm specializing in R&D design support of new products ...

Turion Space

Senior GNC Engineer

Irvine, CA · Remote

$150K - $213K/yr

You will work closely with the systems engineering and flight software team to design and implement ... Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and/or test GNC algorithms from the ground up ...

Hyundai MOBIS

Engineer I, Quality

Ontario, CA

$72K - $93K/yr

This is an entry level position where initially the engineer has a low level of understanding about ... Perform 1st level analysis and duplication test for warranty parts / Perform basic check list ...

Masimo

Cybersecurity Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

... and test reports. * Maintain traceability between cybersecurity requirements, software design ... Security+, ISC2 CC, or similar entry-level cybersecurity certification is a plus. Education:

Masimo

Cybersecurity Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA

$85K - $105K/yr

... and test reports. * Maintain traceability between cybersecurity requirements, software design ... Security+, ISC2 CC, or similar entry-level cybersecurity certification is a plus. Education:

Sorenson Engineering

Engineering Technician

Yucaipa, CA · On-site

... Test, and Medical Devices. We specialize in delivering ultra-precise micro components through ... Level I: Entry-level position responsible for basic engineering support activities including data ...

FieldAI

Electrical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

Testing: Conduct power validation (noise, load, transients), communication tests (bandwidth ... We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and ...

FieldAI

Electrical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

Testing: Conduct power validation (noise, load, transients), communication tests (bandwidth ... We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

Conduct mechanical load testing (shock, vibration), thermal validation, ingress tests, and sensor ... We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and ...

FieldAI

Mechanical Engineer-Federal

Irvine, CA

$70K - $300K/yr

Conduct mechanical load testing (shock, vibration), thermal validation, ingress tests, and sensor ... We are recruiting across a wide range of experience levels from entry level engineers to senior and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 9, 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:
Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
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.

Thermal Protection System Engineer

CANOPY A&D

Irvine, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense
Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D's advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute end-to-end ownership of TPS components and subassemblies, from initial requirements definition through final hardware delivery.
  • Own and drive material trade studies that balance thermal survivability, structural integrity, and manufacturing realities for hypersonic regimes.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with aerothermal, design, materials, and test groups to translate heat flux and aero loads into robust mechanical designs.
  • Develop detailed CAD, drawings, ICD's, interface directly with the manufacturing floor, and ensure parts are built to spec.
  • Support rigorous testing campaigns such as arc-jet, rapidly perform raw data reduction, and draw actionable conclusions to iterate designs based on empirical data.
  • Serve as the resident SME in the TPS space, maintaining robust knowledge of current state-of-the-art and next-generation technologies.
  • Contribute to the development of proposals and new products that enhance the organization's technical capabilities and support strategic defense growth objectives.

Required Qualifications
  • More than 2 years of direct, verifiable prior experience designing and owning TPS components or assemblies which were qualified through high-enthalpy testing such as arc-jet (e.g., AEDC, NASA Ames) or flight.
  • General familiarity with hypersonic systems, ablation mechanics, and current industry state-of-the-art TPS solutions.
  • Hands-on experience as a design engineer taking hardware from concept to manufacturing (CAD, drawing release, GD&T).
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals in structures, materials science, thermodynamics, and manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver on tight schedules using scrappy and creative solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication.
  • Active U.S. Security Clearance (Secret or higher), or the ability to obtain one based on eligibility. This includes meeting background check and other requirements, as required for access to controlled defense-related information and facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • Flight Heritage: Direct ownership of a TPS system that successfully operated and survived in a flight environment.
  • Systems Experience: Direct experience working on the design, test, or integration of re-entry systems, launch vehicles, or hypersonic platforms.
  • Programmatic Acumen: Experience planning and estimating complex projects, constructing bids and Basis of Estimates (BOEs), and developing technical schedules that were successfully executed.
  • Business Development: Proven track record of writing and winning IRAD and/or CRAD proposals.
  • Customer Facing: Experience interfacing directly with government (DoW, NASA) and commercial customers to define requirements and deliver technical updates.
  • Supply Chain Command: Experience and high comfort level interfacing with, auditing, and managing suppliers specifically within the TPS and advanced materials space.
  • Strong background operating within the defense sector.
  • Familiarity with space and defense standards such as but not limited to SMS-S-016, MIL-STD-810, NASA-GSFC-7000 series or other industry equivalent standards for design, analysis, and testing of defense articles.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lb and perform tasks involving standing, walking, bending, and manual assembly.
  • Visual acuity required for reading technical drawings, inspecting components, and operating precision instruments.
  • Occasional travel to customer or test sites, including outdoor or industrial settings, with adherence to company and OSHA safety protocols.
  • Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English.

Job Details
FLSA Classification: Salary Exempt
Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000
Base Location: Irvine CA or Littleton, CO
Travel: Up to 25%
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D 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.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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