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Flight Calibration Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Calibration Engineer information

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How much do flight calibration engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight calibration engineer in the United States is $41.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.34 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Calibration Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Calibration Engineer, you need a solid background in aeronautical engineering, instrumentation, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with flight calibration systems, avionics software, and data acquisition tools—as well as certifications in aviation safety—are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate with pilots and technical teams. These competencies ensure the accurate calibration of aircraft instruments, which is critical for flight safety and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Calibration Engineers during calibration flights?

Flight Calibration Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, managing tight schedules, and ensuring the accuracy of complex navigation and communication systems. They must coordinate closely with air traffic controllers and flight crews to minimize disruptions to regular air traffic. Additionally, maintaining strict safety protocols while troubleshooting technical issues in real-time requires strong problem-solving skills and quick decision-making. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on technical work and collaboration.

What are Flight Calibration Engineers?

Flight Calibration Engineers are professionals who ensure that navigational aids and airport instrumentation, such as radar and landing systems, are operating accurately and safely. They conduct specialized test flights and use advanced measurement equipment to calibrate and validate these systems, making sure they meet regulatory standards. Their work is essential for the safety and efficiency of air traffic, as well as for the ongoing certification of airports and flight paths.

What is the difference between Flight Calibration Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Calibration EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Primary FocusCalibrating aircraft sensors and systems for accuracy during flightDesigning, executing, and analyzing flight test programs for aircraft performance
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in avionics or calibrationEngineering degree, experience in flight testing and data analysis
Work EnvironmentAircraft, laboratories, calibration facilitiesAircraft, test ranges, laboratories
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, commercial aviationAerospace, defense, aircraft manufacturing

While both roles operate within the aerospace industry, a Flight Calibration Engineer specializes in ensuring aircraft systems are accurately calibrated for flight, focusing on sensor and system precision. In contrast, a Flight Test Engineer designs and conducts flight tests to evaluate aircraft performance. Both roles require engineering expertise and involve working with aircraft, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Infographic showing various Flight Calibration Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,099 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer - Level 2

Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer - Level 2

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Henderson, NV

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 375 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description


We are Lockheed Martin
At Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, we're taking innovation to the next level. From designing the most advanced air vehicle to designing aircraft that defies gravity, our engineers live on the cutting edge of technology. Never have the opportunities for a technical career been so limitless.
Join us as a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer -- Level 2. In this role, you'll develop flight test instrumentation supporting the world's premier aircraft.
A successful FTI engineer:

  • Works independently or leads a team to execute project, schedule, and technical requirements to meet the goals of the test program.

  • Is responsible for specification, selection, design, integration, operation and maintenance of airborne data acquisition systems, and their related components. This includes telemetry, flight test specific hardware, or prototypes for flight test evaluation.

  • Oversees installation, checkout, and calibration of data systems, to ensure collected data can be properly displayed, processed, and analyzed.

  • Maintains configuration control, and mission capability of the instrumentation system as well as all associated ground support equipment.

  • Supports preflight, post-flight, and control room activities for all scheduled missions.

  • Interfaces with test ops, maintenance, management, and customers to ensure all instrumentation requirements are coordinated and accounted for.


Some shift, extended hours, weekend work and travel may be required.
** Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. No dual citizenship will be considered.
What's In It For You
Our employees play an active role in strengthening the quality of life where we live and work by volunteering more than 850,000 hours annually.
Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • 401k

  • Paid time off

  • Work/life balance

  • Career development

  • Mentorship opportunities

  • Rewards & recognition

Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
REF: Engineering, Aeronautics, aeroTE, aeroFTI

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912