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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early ...

Hermeus

Performance Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $187K/yr

In your role as a Performance Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing, modeling, and ... Author and execute flight test plans to evaluate propulsion robustness, operability, and early ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic, is highly desired. As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology ... As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team ...

Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

JT4 LLC

Performance & Flying Qualities - Engineer

Edwards, CA · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

... Performance and Flying Qualities Engineers to support flight test operations at Edwards AFB located ... Significant contributor of a wide variety of flight planning, execution, analysis, and reporting ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$59

$96

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in California is $59.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.65 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Flight Performance Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Performance Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:
Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you

Flight Performance Engineer

Neros Technologies

Torrance, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the flight performance of multirotor UAS from prototype through production.

  • Design and execute structured test protocols to evaluate flight performance, identify failure modes, and validate configuration changes.

  • Develop and maintain internal documentation on flight dynamics, tuning methodology, and test results.

Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

As a Flight Performance Engineer at Neros, you will own the flight dynamics of our UAVs, from hands-on prototyping and structured field testing through data-driven tuning, qualification, and release of flight configurations. You'll lead root cause analysis using blackbox/DVR/thermal data and work cross-functionally with firmware, mechanical, and production teams to eliminate failure modes and improve performance metrics at scale. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role at a rapidly growing startup, ideal for engineers who take pride in producing stable, repeatable, and exceptional flight performance.

Responsibilities

  • Own the flight performance (stability, response, reliability) of multirotor UAS from prototype through production
  • Design and execute structured test protocols to evaluate flight performance, identify failure modes, and validate configuration changes
  • Develop and maintain internal documentation on flight dynamics, tuning methodology, and test results
  • Represent flight performance interests in cross-functional reviews with mechanical, electrical, firmware, production, and NPI teams
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on flight dynamics, delivering structured knowledge transfers of advanced multirotor mechanics to peers
  • Lead R&D efforts to evaluate design changes and improve product performance

You should have the following

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a engineering field
  • 2+ years of experience in a multirotor UAV Engineering role
  • Proven track record of root cause analysis on quadcopter flight anomalies using blackbox, DVR, or telemetry data
  • Deep technical understanding of multirotor mechanics and the interplay between the mechanical and control systems
  • Hands on experience assembling, repairing, or modifying multi-rotor drones
  • Strong documentation and communication skills
  • Ability to fly and tune FPV drones
  • Familiarity with flight control software like betaflight, px4, ardupilot, Kiss

Nice to have

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Python, or MATLAB.
  • Familiarity with ESC firmware and configuration such as Bluejay, BLHeli_S, or BLHeli_32
  • Experience with a CAD software such as Solidworks or NX
  • Background working in mass production environments where cost, supply chain, and scalability are key considerations
  • Active part 107 certificate

US Salary Range

$100,000 - $135,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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