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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer I

Poway, CA · On-site

$62K - $105K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an entry-level Flight Test Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering Flight Test Team in Poway, CA. The successful candidate will support the development and ...

Flock Safety

UAS Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$84K - $95K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone systems, and providing critical insights and improvements for our ...

Flock

UAS Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$84K - $95K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone systems, and providing critical insights and improvements for our ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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.

More about Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
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Entry Level Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

Allen Control Systems

San Francisco, CA • Remote

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

About The Role

We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a part-time contract role, up to 15 hours per week, with the potential to transition to full-time as flight cadence increases. Candidates must have experience flying similar aircraft, and the ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).

What You’ll Do

  • Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.

  • Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.

  • Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design operational procedures for safe takeoff, flight, and landing.

  • Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.

What You’ll Need

  • Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.

  • Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.

You’ll Stand Out

  • Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.

  • Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.

  • Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.

  • Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly rate

  • Part-time contract, up to 15 hours per week, with potential to convert to full-time

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1