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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation including Systems Requirements Documents ... flight performance analysis. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to ...

Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation including Systems Requirements Documents ... flight performance analysis. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to ...

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended ... Perform post-flight analysis of telemetry and flight data to verify system performance against ...

Provide C130/L-382 instruction in flight and performance manual subjects. * Provide instruction in ... Minimum of seven years' experience as a flight engineer and three years' experience as a C-130/L ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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$8

$44

$73

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Florida is $44.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.83 and $50.82 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 cities in Florida are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:

Mechanical Aerospace Engineer - Deployable Space Systems

ACE Partners

Cape Canaveral, FL • On-site

$96K - $120K/yr

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Role Title: Mechanical Aerospace Engineer – Deployable Space Systems


Overview

An early-stage, venture-backed aerospace and defense organization is entering its active hardware development phase following a successful transition from conceptual design to flight-test preparation. The company is developing reusable orbital vehicle technology focused on deployable space systems, satellite propulsion and fuel architectures, and rapid-response orbital mission capability.


With an upcoming atmospheric drop test scheduled for July 2026, the organization is expanding its core engineering team ahead of a major hiring wave in July–August 2026.

This is a high-autonomy, hands-on role suited for engineers who have worked on real flight hardware and are comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous startup environments where execution speed and engineering rigor are equally critical.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead or contribute to mechanical design of deployable aerospace systems for orbital and suborbital applications
  • Develop and iterate CAD models for spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and integrated flight hardware
  • Support full lifecycle development: concept → design → prototyping → testing → flight validation
  • Design lightweight, high-reliability mechanical systems for space and atmospheric conditions
  • Participate in rapid design-build-test cycles tied to upcoming flight and drop-test campaigns
  • Work cross-functionally with propulsion, systems engineering, and test teams
  • Support hardware integration, troubleshooting, and test campaign execution
  • Contribute to design decisions that directly impact flight performance and mission success


Required Experience

  • 5+ years of mechanical/aerospace design experience (or equivalent high-impact experience)
  • Strong CAD expertise (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, or similar)
  • Direct experience with flight hardware or aerospace systems
  • Background in at least one of the following:
  • Deployable space structures or mechanisms
  • Spacecraft or launch vehicle systems
  • Aerospace test and validation environments
  • Precision mechanical systems under extreme environments
  • Proven ability to operate in fast-paced engineering environments with minimal oversight


Location Preference

Primary and flexible locations:

  • Florida (preferred) – near Kennedy Space Center
  • Arizona (secondary engineering hub option)


Compensation & Structure

  • Base salary: ~$96,000 – $120,000 + Equity participation available after Year 1
  • Structured salary increase following first year completion (performance + company milestones)


Business Context

The organization is:

  • Funded through defense and Space Force-aligned programs
  • Focused on responsive space, reusable orbital systems, and deployable spacecraft technology
  • Transitioning from prototype development into active engineering and flight validation
  • Building capabilities in:
  • Satellite fuel systems
  • Deployable orbital structures
  • Rapid mission reconstitution technologies
  • Hypersonic-capable atmospheric test systems


The team operates lean, highly technical, and execution-driven, with significant emphasis on real-world testing and rapid iteration cycles.