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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Eng I - Test

Fort Wayne, IN ยท On-site

$53K - $90K/yr

Every second, a plane takes off, enabled by our flight-critical aircraft systems. Please use the ... Support engineering root cause investigations to address product performance issues * Meeting the ...

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 ...

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 ...

... performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing ... The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing. Ensure ...

... performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing ... The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing.

... performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing ... The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing.

... performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing ... The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing.

Test Engineer

Bloomington, IN ยท On-site

$70 - $100/hr

... performance requirements. The role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing ... The testing will include qualification, acceptance, simulation, ground, and flight testing.

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 ...

... level, flight, ground, and simulation tests. Key duties include managing hardware and software ... system performance requirements. The Test Engineer will coordinate closely with Engineering ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$57

$93

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 is a flight performance engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight performance engineer?

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 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.

Are flight performance engineers in demand?

Flight performance engineers are in steady demand within the aerospace industry due to their specialized skills in aircraft efficiency, systems analysis, and performance optimization. Employment opportunities are often linked to aerospace manufacturing, airline operations, and government agencies, with a focus on advanced technical knowledge and certifications. The role typically requires a background in aerospace engineering and familiarity with simulation tools and performance testing.

How much does a flight performance engineer get paid?

A flight performance engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses.

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:

Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Iron Will Ventures

Crane, IN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About IWV

Iron Will Ventures is a cleared defense small business supporting the nation's highest-priority hypersonic flight test, missile defense, and launch operations missions. We deliver practitioner-grade technical, program, and acquisition support to DoW customers across the enterprise — including TRMC, MDA, JHTO, and the missile enterprise community.


Position Summary
Iron Will Ventures (IWV) seeks a Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support hypersonic and strike weapon system development, test planning, and analysis at NSWC Crane. The successful candidate will build and execute engagement- and engineering-level models — principally AFSIM and 6-DOF trajectory simulations — to inform flight test design, performance assessment, and weapon system integration decisions for DoD sponsors including OUSD(R&E)/TRMC, JHTO, and Navy program offices.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, modify, and execute AFSIM scenarios and platform/sensor/weapon models to support mission-level trade studies, campaign analysis, and capability gap assessment.
  • Build and validate 6-DOF flight dynamics models for hypersonic and tactical missile configurations; support aero database integration, GNC model insertion, and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis.
  • Generate trajectory products supporting flight test planning: nominal and dispersed trajectories, footprint and debris analysis inputs, range safety data packages, and instrumentation/coverage assessments.
  • Perform post-flight reconstruction and model validation against telemetry and range-collected data; document deltas and recommend model updates.
  • Support digital mission engineering workflows — model configuration control, data standards, automation of run matrices, and integration of M&S products into government decision artifacts.
  • Produce technical documentation, analysis briefs, and quick-turn responses for government leadership.
  • Coordinate with prime contractors, test ranges, and government technical leads; represent IWV in working groups and technical interchange meetings.


Required Qualifications

  • Ability to Obtain a DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligible preferred).
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics.
  • 5+ years of hands-on M&S experience in a DoD or defense-industry environment.
  • Demonstrated AFSIM proficiency — scenario construction, model development, and results analysis (not solely end-user operation).
  • Demonstrated 6-DOF simulation experience for missiles, launch vehicles, or hypersonic vehicles.
  • Working proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data reduction, automation, and visualization.
  • Ability to work on-site at NSWC Crane and travel as required.


Desired Qualifications

  • Active DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligible preferred).
  • Experience supporting hypersonic flight test programs (MACH-TB, MACH-XL, CPS, LRHW, ARRW, or equivalent).
  • AFSIM plugin/extension development in C++.
  • Familiarity with range safety analysis, flight termination, and launch approval processes.
  • Experience with aero prediction and trajectory tools (Missile DATCOM, POST, OTIS, TAOS, GHAME, or equivalent).
  • Exposure to threat modeling, EMS/plasma sheath effects, or seeker/RF performance modeling.
  • Prior SETA or A&AS support to a government program office.
  • M.S. in a relevant engineering discipline.


Travel

  • Up to 25% CONUS, primarily to test ranges and sponsor sites.

 

Iron Will Ventures Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.