ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motive Companies

Director of GNC

Alameda, CA

$163K - $250K/yr

... flight performance. The role also involves shaping development practices, including the integration of modern engineering tools that accelerate simulation, testing, and analysis workflows.

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance. * Understanding of human factors and ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance. * Understanding of human factors and ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance. * Understanding of human factors and ...

Pivotal

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

You work cross-functionally with engineering, flight operations, and certification teams to ensure ... Analyze performance of aircraft electronics and other components for operational and reliability ...

Hermeus

Flight Dynamics Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Hermeus is seeking a Dynamics Engineer to join our growing Flight Sciences Team. In this role, you ... Support flight test activities and analyze flight data to validate models and assess performance.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Performance Engineer JobsFlight Performance Engineer Jobs in California

Flight Performance Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$59

$96

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 Software Engineer

Flight Software Engineer

Terran Orbital Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Summary 

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Flight Software Engineer to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Flight Software Engineering Manager, the Flight Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain the critical software systems that control and operate our satellites, ensuring reliable performance and mission success in the challenging environment of space.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop software for unique payloads, including image processing, aero-braking, and propulsive lunar landing
  • Write comprehensive unit and regression tests in existing frameworks
  • Integrate and test software in simulation, flight replica, flight, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Work with multiple engineering teams to establish software requirements and design
  • Work with various engineering teams to commission newly launched satellites

Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or equivalent field
  • 2+ years of experience developing C++ applications for embedded, high-performance, or critical systems (Level II)
  • Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

  • Hands-on experience using A.R.M. and Texas Instruments platforms for embedded systems
  • Experience with Linux and GNU tools such as make, G.C.C., and debuggers such as G.D.B.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as bash and Python
  • Experience within the aerospace industry

Apply