ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

MAG Aero

E2 NFO with Security Clearance

Fairfax, VA

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 Aerospace

Software Engineer 3

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$61.50 - $82.50/hr

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

AEVEX

Software Engineer 3

Washington, DC

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer JobsEntry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$45K

$139.4K

$210.9K

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

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $139,441.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $165,400.00 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 Silver Spring, MD? For Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Engineer II, Systems Test (R5038)

Engineer II, Systems Test (R5038)

Shield AI

Washington, DC

$89K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

The Hivemind Solutions Test Department is seeking an Engineer II (Software & Simulation Focus) to join our DC-based team. Since Shield AI's mission is to protect service members and civilians, The Hivemind Solutions Test Department makes this a reality by validating the reliability, safety, and performance of our world-class autonomy software.

You'll lead simulation-driven testing, automation, and software quality efforts for Hivemind, building and executing test frameworks that ensure our autonomy software performs reliably across simulated and real-world mission environments.

Shield AI is growing quickly, and we're looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces learning, and brings a high-ownership, mission-driven mindset. This is a chance to have a real impact-advancing autonomy that protects lives-while working with a collaborative, high-performing team.

What you'll do:
  • Develop automated regression, integration, and system-level tests to ensure Hivemind software quality and stability across releases
  • Identify, reproduce, and diagnose software issues-collaborating closely with development teams to drive fixes and improvements
  • Create and execute test plans and documentation for autonomy software in simulated environments, ensuring mission and safety requirements are met
  • Design, implement, and maintain simulation-based test frameworks to validate Hivemind autonomy behavior and performance
  • Build tools and utilities in Python to automate testing, data processing, and analysis workflows
  • Develop test harnesses and data validation tools for Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) / Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) / Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) and simulation environments
  • Contribute to the definition of testing methodologies, metrics, and performance benchmarks for autonomy software validation
  • Support the scaling and reliability of simulation infrastructure used for large-scale software validation
  • Maintain detailed and accurate test documentation, ensuring traceability and knowledge sharing across teams
  • Work with developers to integrate test coverage directly into the development pipeline (CI/CD)
Required qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 0 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Proficiency in Python
  • Experience in robotics, small UAS, or related hands-on engineering projects
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills
  • Passionate about intelligent aircraft systems
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional software, hardware and mechanical engineering teams
  • Adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies quickly in a fast-paced environment 
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET Clearance. US citizenship is required as only US citizens are eligible for a security clearance. 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience testing autonomous systems, robotics software, or flight autonomy algorithms
  • Familiarity with C++ and software/hardware integration concepts.
  • Experience with HIL or VIL test environments.
  • Exposure to machine learning or AI-driven autonomy systems.
  • Background in simulation infrastructure design, distributed testing, or test data management.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) experience, including process definition, metrics, and validation tracking
  • Experience with aerospace, defense, or mission-critical software
  • Active SECRET clearance preferred
$89,000 - $130,000 a year
#LI-KC3
#LB

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
###
 
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
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.
apply for this job

Apply