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Flight Data Analyst Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions * Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues ...

Senior Data Analyst - People Analytics

Chicago, IL · On-site

$93K - $118K/yr

... risk, flight risk scoring) * FP&A & Workforce Planning Support * Support FTE forecasting and ... Present data, trends, and insights to both technical and non-technical audiences in clear, concise ...

... risk, flight risk scoring) * FP&A & Workforce Planning Support * Support FTE forecasting and ... Present data, trends, and insights to both technical and non-technical audiences in clear, concise ...

... flight schedules, volumes, operating requirements, and contractual terms * Review historical data ... Provide ad hoc analysis to support leadership decisions and broader business development ...

You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers ... Collaborate with Instrumentation Engineering to ensure data quality, test post process analysis ...

Sr. Data Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $141K/yr

... device, every flight, everywhere.Responsibilities:Utilizes a rigorous design methodology that ... Works as equals with Data Engineers, Quality Engineers, BI Developers and Business Analysts to ...

Sr. Data Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $141K/yr

... device, every flight, everywhere.Responsibilities:Utilizes a rigorous design methodology that ... Works as equals with Data Engineers, Quality Engineers, BI Developers and Business Analysts to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Data Analyst information

See Illinois salary details

$32.9K

$80.1K

$131.8K

How much do flight data analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight data analyst in Illinois is $80,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight data analyst?

A Flight Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, processing, and interpreting flight data to enhance aviation safety, efficiency, and performance. They analyze flight recorder data, identify trends, and provide insights to improve aircraft operations. This role often involves working with airlines, aviation authorities, or aircraft manufacturers to support accident investigations and optimize flight procedures. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with data analysis tools are essential for success in this position.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a flight data analyst?

As a Flight Data Analyst, your day-to-day tasks typically involve collecting, processing, and analyzing flight data records from various aircraft systems to identify trends and anomalies. You may prepare safety reports, present findings to flight operations teams, and recommend improvements based on data insights. Collaboration with pilots, engineers, and safety officers is common to ensure data accuracy and implement corrective actions when necessary. These activities play a crucial role in enhancing operational safety, regulatory compliance, and overall flight performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight data analyst?

To thrive as a Flight Data Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a background in aviation or data science, and typically a relevant degree such as aerospace engineering or statistics. Familiarity with flight data monitoring systems (such as FDM/FOQA), data visualization tools, and certifications like ICAO FOQA or related safety analysis are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help analysts interpret complex datasets and collaborate with flight crews and safety teams. These skills ensure accurate monitoring, timely reporting, and continuous improvement of flight safety and operational efficiency.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Data Analyst jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Flight Data Analyst jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Flight Data Analyst job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,080 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Shield AI

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

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, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. 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:
Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely across several segment owners of engineering, operations, autonomy, systems integration, product support, and manufacturing.  
What you'll do:
  • Develop, publish, and execute comprehensive flight test plans, procedures, cards, risk assessments, safety, and readiness reviews 
  • Support integration and test of aircraft systems, payloads, comms/data links, software, ground control systems, and mission equipment 
  • Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration, instrumentation, telemetry, data collection and test reports 
  • Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions 
  • Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues, and mature system capabilities 
  • Lead or participate in test range operations, safety briefings, go/no-go decisions, and test setup and logistics  
  • Document test results, lessons learned, anomalies, and recommendations in clear technical reports 
  • Support aircraft maintenance, configuration control, and system readiness 
  • Create and improve flight test processes, tools, data workflows, and operational efficiency 
  • Create and maintain ground and air operating limitations requirements  
  • Travel to test sites, customer locations, and field exercises as required 
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM Degree) 
  • 5-10 years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems, flight dynamics, avionics, telemetry, sensors, or control systems  
  • Proven ability to write and execute structured test plans, procedures, and reports 
  • Strong troubleshooting skills in field and/or lab environments 
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work across engineering and operations teams 
  • Willingness and ability to travel up to 80% for candidates not based in the Wichita Metro Area, including travel to test sites, ranges, and other field locations
  • Overtime and weekend coverage as required 
Preferred qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience with developmental and/or operational ground and flight test, unmanned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering 
  • Experience in Group 4-5 UAS and/or fighter type capability or similar weapons systems 
  • Familiarity with FAA, DoW, and test range flight operations 
  • Experience with autonomy, navigation, mission planning, and Command-and-Control (C2) systems 
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, avionics integration, payload integration, and ground support equipment  
  • Experience with telemetry systems, flight and data logs, sensor data, datalinks, and RF systems 
  • Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or crewed aviation experience 
  • Proven Mission Control Room experience using Integrated Analysis & Data System (IADS) or similar development FTI display system  
  • Experience leading or supporting developmental flight test campaigns from design through planning and execution to include reporting 
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable in control rooms, hangar/maintenance areas, and office type environments. You can write a detailed test plan, troubleshoot hardware and software at a test site, analyze flight data, and communicate clearly under operational pressure. You are safety-minded, have high technical acumen, and motivated by building and validating advanced and complex aircraft systems 
 
#LI-AA1
#LD

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.
 
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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.