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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Natilus is seeking an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer to join our team in San Diego, CA. In ... Perform comparative analyses of predicted aerodynamics with experimental and/or flight test data.

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An Electrical Engineer is a specialized role responsible for the design of complex embedded systems ... Tuning of aircraft parameters to improve flight performance * Performing test flights aircraft to ...

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Join our first-class team to reinvent in-flight experience. In the role of Supplier Performance Engineer 3 you'll play a pivotal part on our Purchasing team. The Supplier Performance Engineer ...

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As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

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As a Flight Sciences Engineer at Elroy Air, you will own performance analysis, flight dynamics, and configuration trades across our hybrid-electric lift+cruise VTOL program. You will be the ...

GNC Engineer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

As a GNC Engineer at Inversion, you will support the development and validation of the Guidance ... real flight performance. In this role, you will: * Support development of tools used to review ...

... and flight performance is a distinct advantage. What You'll Do: * Flight Control System Design ... PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related ...

CHAOS is seeking an Aerodynamics Engineer to lead the aerodynamic design, analysis, and flight performance optimization of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems and missile-class vehicles. This role ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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$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:
Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design

Job Summary: 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is seeking a full-time Aerospace Engineer - Performance and Design, to join our team in San Luis Obispo, CA. The Aerospace Engineer will assist in the multi-functional product development of new aircraft design and control systems while collaborating with other engineering disciplines and project personnel. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

  • Conduct aircraft conceptual design and sizing studies. 

  • Analysis of aerodynamics, propulsion, flight performance, etc. 

  • Setting up and running vehicle and component optimizations. 

  • Perform analysis, simulation, and engineering trade studies to support design decisions.  

  • Research about technologies, analysis methods, standards, and regulations to guide aircraft design. 

  • Develop, test, and implement custom software-based design tools. 

  • Clearly communicate engineering ideas, progress, and results using written reports and oral presentations to supervisors, project managers, and customers. 

  • Collaborate with team members to accomplish project goals in a timely fashion. 

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent. 

  • 3+ years of relevant engineering experience. 

  • Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python. 

  • Proficiency with aircraft flight performance analysis and conceptual design. 

  • Fundamental understanding of related disciplines including aerodynamics, aircraft stability & control, thermal analysis, structures, electronics, systems engineering, computational optimization, etc. 

  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

  • Strong writing & presentation skills. 

  • Willing to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Master's degree in aerospace engineering or equivalent and/or 5+ years of experience. 

  • Experience with Simulink, Python, VBA, C++, and/or other coding languages. 

  • Experience with OpenVSP / VSPAERO, XFOIL, AVL, etc.. 

  • Experience with CFD tools using Altair, OVERFLOW, or similar. 

  • Experience performing flight loads analysis. 

  • Experience setting up and running optimization tools. 

  • Experience using programming version control software such as Git. 

  • Experience with CAD modeling using SolidWorks or similar. 

  • Experience with requirements capture at the aircraft and/or systems level. 

  • Familiarity with the design of aircraft and common aircraft systems. 

  • Familiarity with eVTOL aircraft. 

  • Familiarity with civil and military regulations for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. 

  • Familiarity with electric vertical takeoff / landing (eVTOL) design concepts. 

  • Familiarity with the urban air mobility (UAM) market space. 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview: 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

_____________________________________________________________ 

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.   
E-Verify participation required for employment.   
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.      
Must be able to pass background check.     
Hiring Range: $90k-120k  

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