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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of ...

Description JOB SUMMARY The Scientist and Engineer labor category is comprised of Analysts ... This skill level is an entry level position requiring guidance and oversight of more senior ...

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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level flight test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 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.

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Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer/ Principal Flight Test Engineer - Unmanned Air Vehicles

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$103K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Engineer/ Principal Flight Test Engineer - Unmanned Air Vehicles to join the team of qualified individuals.

Position is located in Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD. The MQ-4C Triton test team has an opening for an FTE to write test plans and conduct developmental ground and flight tests. Candidates must be willing to learn the role of flight test engineering and the requisite organizational support in executing flight test programs.

Key Responsibilities: Participate in all facets of flight test planning and execution in multiple areas including requirements development, test planning, test event preparation, and test coordination. Planning the event (preparing flight profiles and test cards, etc.), briefing (pre/post), leading the event, and completing post event reporting such as a flash report. Coordinate appropriate resources and assets for the event (aircrew, airspace, etc.) with the scheduling team in support of the test event

Chase vehicle duties. Obtaining an airfield driver's license and completing a qualification training plan. Interface with the customer to assist in the development and modification of test plans as required to support test.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 4/10 work schedule with every Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.

Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. *Position may be filled at either level depending on qualifications below* Basic Qualifications for Level 2: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 2 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 0 years of related professional/military experience. Basic Qualifications for Level 3: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Master's degree AND 3 years of related professional/military experience, OR a Ph.D

AND 1 year of related professional/military experience. Basic Qualifications for Both Levels: Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Top Secret clearance Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, weekends, and holidays. Must be able to work plane-side both indoors and outside

Preferred Qualifications: SIGINT/ESM/RADAR/EO/IR fight test experience desired. Experience in unmanned air vehicle flight test execution. Previously qualified Test Conductor with control room experience.

Previous experience working in an Integrated Test Team. Experience and working knowledge of NAVINST 3960 test planning process. DOD Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and retain a Special Access Program clearance.

#Blue Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 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. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results

Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and 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.


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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