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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies ... Coordinate with engineering and maintenance personnel to support payload integration, aircraft ...

Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies ... Coordinate with engineering and maintenance personnel to support payload integration, aircraft ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

In this role, you will lead mechanical design efforts, develop high-performance engineering ... We provide expert government support services in flight vehicle design, electrical and mechanical ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

In this role, you will lead mechanical design efforts, develop high-performance engineering ... We provide expert government support services in flight vehicle design, electrical and mechanical ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Crane, IN

$104K - $137K/yr

In this role, you will lead mechanical design efforts, develop high-performance engineering ... We provide expert government support services in flight vehicle design, electrical and mechanical ...

Design and develop mechanical solutions to integrate RF Rx/Tx systems into flight systems and ... Contribute to trade studies to evaluate mechanical options for optimal performance, reliability ...

Design and develop mechanical solutions to integrate RF Rx/Tx systems into flight systems and ... Contribute to trade studies to evaluate mechanical options for optimal performance, reliability ...

Design and develop mechanical solutions to integrate RF Rx/Tx systems into flight systems and ... Contribute to trade studies to evaluate mechanical options for optimal performance, reliability ...

Senior Software Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, reliability, and cybersecurity ... Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or flight-critical software. * Familiarity with ...

Senior Software Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Identify and mitigate technical risks related to performance, reliability, and cybersecurity ... Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) or flight-critical software. * Familiarity with ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

... high-performance electrical solutions for mission-critical applications. You will be deeply ... Experience with electrical testing, troubleshooting, and validation in lab or flight environments.

Senior Electrical Engineer

Crane, IN ยท On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

... high-performance electrical solutions for mission-critical applications. You will be deeply ... Experience with electrical testing, troubleshooting, and validation in lab or flight environments.

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Indiana is $57.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.88 and $64.71 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 Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:
UAS Flight Operations Manager

UAS Flight Operations Manager

Precise Systems

Crane, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description
Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation's most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering; Digital Transformation; Electromagnetic Warfare; Interactive Training & Simulation; Physical Sciences Research; Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on-today and into the future.
We are seeking a UAS Flight Operations Manager to provide 100% support to MXQW in Crane, Indiana. This position is a mission-essential role supporting Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) test and evaluation activities nationwide. The successful candidate will establish and operate permanent and temporary Flight Operations Centers (FOCs), coordinate complex UAS operations in regulated military and civil airspace, and enable safe, compliant, and effective execution of developmental and operationally relevant test events.
This role requires in-person support.
Duties:
  • Establish, operate, and continuously improve permanent and temporary Flight Operations Centers (FOCs) supporting Counter-UxS testing activities.
  • Serve as the central operational authority for flight-event execution and provide go/no-go recommendations for all flight operations.
  • Coordinate mission requirements with military and FAA air traffic controllers, range control personnel, and military airspace managers to ensure full compliance with airspace regulations, local restrictions, and mission approvals.
  • Obtain and manage required flight waivers, airspace approvals, and operational clearances for UAS operations in highly regulated environments.
  • Conduct pre-mission planning, flight reviews, mission evaluations, and post-mission debriefings for UxS pilots and supporting crewmembers.
  • Verify completion and quality of post-mission reports, logs, aircraft records, battery records, incident documentation, and operational data capture.
  • Develop, document, and maintain Ground Operations Procedures, Flight Operations Procedures, locality-based SOPs, and safety procedures supporting nationwide test events.
  • Develop and maintain a flight operations management system that tracks aircraft and battery logs, pilot credentials and currency, flight planning data, airspace restrictions, incidents, and training status.
  • Maintain pilot qualification and currency, identify training deficiencies, schedule recurring training, and develop a comprehensive UxS flight safety program.
  • Interpret Counter-UxS testing requirements, formulate testable criteria, and develop Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) that enable realistic, measurable, and mission-relevant test events.
  • Develop and deliver training curricula, operational briefings, and instructional material ranging from introductory UAS content to specialized flight operations topics.
  • Perform and instruct others in critical crewmember roles, including Pilot-in-Command, Visual Observer, and Aviation Safety Officer.
  • Coordinate with engineering and maintenance personnel to support payload integration, aircraft readiness, and safety-of-flight reviews.
  • Manage applicable Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) associated with flight operations and ensure proper accountability, readiness, and safe operational use.
  • Support field execution of test events, including scheduling, setup, coordination of facilities and ranges, event support, and after-action documentation.
  • Contribute to test plans, briefings, procedures, reports, and lessons learned supporting broader T&E objectives.

Desired Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.

Desired Experience:
  • 3+ years of UxS work experience; or high school diploma with formal UxS training and a minimum of 11 years of UxS work experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience piloting Groups I-III fixed-wing and multirotor UxS platforms.
  • Thorough knowledge of common radio-controlled aircraft components, flight controllers, propulsion systems, and control architectures.
  • Experience managing UxS operations and pilots in both Government and field-test environments.
  • Experience coordinating with DoD and FAA airspace authorities, including military tower coordination, military range coordination, and DoD flight line operations.
  • Ability to inspect, evaluate, and operationally check propulsion systems, flight-control systems, and related components pre-flight and post-flight.
  • Familiarity with applicable FAA and DoD UxS policy documents, especially those governing GOCO and COCO operations for Class I-III UxS in the National Airspace System and DoD-owned airspace.
  • Experience developing UAS flight operations procedures, ground operations procedures, and safety policies.
  • Strong ability to collaborate with personnel across engineering, aviation, military operations, safety, and test organizations.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, SOPs, and training materials.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Additional operator certifications and/or type ratings applicable to fixed-wing or rotary-wing UxS issued by the DoD, FAA, or manufacturer.
  • Experience supporting Counter-UxS, Counter-UAS, or broader test and evaluation activities in military or Government environments.
  • Experience standing up and operating temporary or expeditionary Flight Operations Centers.
  • Experience supporting nationwide test events at military ranges, federal test sites, and complex civil/military airspace locations.
  • Familiarity with Government range processes, test-event documentation, and operational risk management for field aviation events.
  • Experience supporting payload integration, engineering flight support, maintenance coordination, or system readiness reviews.
  • Experience briefing senior Government, military, and test leadership on flight readiness, operational risk, and mission execution.
  • Ability to support surge travel and variable testing schedules.

Required Certifications/Training:
  • Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with small UxS rating.
  • Documented training and operational proficiency in all topics included in Basic UxS Qualification (BUQ) I, plus fixed-wing training including the Navigation category of BUQ Level II and III and the Instrument category of BUQ Level III.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.
Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary. Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.