1

Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Ensure that flight hardware anomalies, corrective actions, and re-verifications are documented in ... the performance of tests * Monitor contractor quality and safety controls, and participate in ...

Plans and administers performance tests on aeronautical equipment, controls, systems, and other ... Test conduct involves briefing flight and ground crews and real-time telemetry monitoring of ...

This role collaborates closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Flight Operations to improve system reliability, performance, and compliance, while supporting fleet upgrades and modifications. Key ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Performance Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$56

$91

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Arizona is $56.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.91 and $63.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight performance engineers or aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in the aerospace industry. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project responsibilities, or working for major aerospace companies with demanding schedules and technical expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace or flight performance engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in the aerospace or defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such high compensation typically requires specialized expertise, leadership roles, or working for major corporations in high-demand sectors.

Is there a demand for Flight Engineers?

The demand for Flight Engineers has decreased significantly with advancements in aircraft automation and modern aircraft design, leading to fewer openings in the field. However, opportunities may still exist in specialized roles, older aircraft maintenance, or in regions with limited automation, requiring relevant certifications and experience. Overall, the role is becoming less common in the aviation industry.

What are Flight Performance Engineers?

Flight Performance Engineers are specialized professionals responsible for analyzing and optimizing the performance of aircraft during all phases of flight. They assess factors such as fuel efficiency, payload, climb rates, and range to ensure aircraft operate safely and efficiently. Their work involves using advanced software models, interpreting flight test data, and collaborating with design and operations teams to improve aircraft performance and meet regulatory standards.

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

AspectFlight Performance EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; often certifications in aeronauticsBachelor's in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering; certifications in testing or aviation
Work EnvironmentAircraft performance analysis, in-flight data monitoring, and optimizationDesign, plan, and execute flight tests, analyze test data
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aircraft manufacturers, aerospace companiesAircraft manufacturers, aerospace testing facilities, defense contractors

While both roles involve aircraft and aeronautics, Flight Performance Engineers focus on analyzing and optimizing aircraft performance during flights, whereas Flight Test Engineers design and conduct flight tests to validate aircraft systems. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and objectives.

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

To thrive as a Flight Performance Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in simulation software (such as MATLAB, Simulink, or flight performance analysis tools) and knowledge of regulatory standards are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this field. These skills are critical for ensuring accurate performance calculations, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to guarantee safe and efficient aircraft operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Performance Engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Flight Performance Engineers frequently work with teams from avionics, propulsion, aerodynamics, and operations. A common challenge is translating complex performance data into actionable insights that are understandable to colleagues from different technical backgrounds. Additionally, aligning performance requirements with design and regulatory constraints often requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Successful Flight Performance Engineers proactively foster open dialogue and use data visualization or simulation tools to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project goals.

What do aircraft performance engineers do?

Aircraft performance engineers analyze and optimize the performance of aircraft, including fuel efficiency, speed, and handling characteristics. They use flight data, simulations, and engineering tools to ensure aircraft meet safety and efficiency standards, often working closely with design teams and pilots. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft systems are essential for this role.
What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,503 per year, or $56 per hour.
Systems Engineers - Remote

$70 - $100/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Performance Software and its sister company, Talent Tier, are midsize companies with a great work-life balance, providing innovative software and hardware to our client companies. We are a medium-size company having been in business for over 25 years with never having a layoff and very low turnover 2-4% per year. Our company is very dedicated to a great work/life balance.


We are looking for passionate Systems Engineers to design and develop software solutions for state-of-the-art safety-critical systems in the areas of Avionics and Space Exploration to join our team. These positions can be either direct-hire or contract and are 100% remote.

Pay: $70-$100/hr DOE

Experience Required:

  • Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorization
  • Bachelors or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent development experience
  • ARP4754 experience
  • Flight Controls experience nice to have but not required
  • Avionics systems experience including DO-178 is required
  • Highly motivated with a self-starting attitude.


About Performance and Talent Tier:

Performance Software and its sister company, Talent Tier, are engaged in the design of Real-time Embedded Software and Hardware. This includes Avionics and Space Exploration applications such as Synthetic Vision Cockpit Displays, Flight Management System Guidance and Navigation, Platforms, and Datalink Applications. Our customers are both Commercial and Defense-related avionics and rocketry suppliers/manufacturers. Performance Software has been in business since 1998; we were awarded INC Magazine 5000 Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work for multiple years. Both companies have locations in Phoenix, AZ, New Orleans, LA, Grand Rapids, MI, Clearwater, FL, Bothell, WA, Cedar Rapids, IA with other remote employees across the states.


Why Performance or Talent Tier?

Our foundation was built by implementing the characteristics from large companies that we liked and eliminating the characteristics that we did not. Without the archaic practices from larger organizations, we fully embrace the culture of clear accountability, a positive attitude, transparency between every department, and productivity over the clock. This builds trust between management and employees, which provides us with our greatest strengths as an organization, flexibility, and work life balance.


Performance Software and Talent Tier are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please discuss this with your recruiter if you are selected for an interview.

To learn more about Performance Software: https://www.psware.com/careers/