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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Test Equipment Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · Hybrid

$79K - $134K/yr

Whether it's a bus ride or flight, our commercial electronic systems help transport millions of ... Initiating continuous improvement of our electronic controls as a response to test performance and ...

The group supports test activities that include flight tests, ground tests, and significant M&S ... Incentive opportunities to reward strong performance and corporate growth

Senior Software Engineer

Crane, IN · 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 · 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 ...

Integration Engineer

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

Develop and optimize embedded software for companion computers, microcontrollers, flight ... Build and test hardware prototypes, conduct performance evaluations, and iterate on designs to meet ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Crane, IN · 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 · 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 Systems Engineer

Crane, IN

$104K - $142K/yr

... performance analysis. Key Responsibilities: * Provide systems engineering support across the full ... flight test events * Assist in the development and review of test procedures, anomaly reports, and ...

Showing results 21-40

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:

Mechanical Engineer

SAIC

Crane, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer - to join a multidisciplinary team supporting the design and development of advanced receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx) systems for aerospace and sea-based platforms. This role focuses on providing mechanical engineering expertise to ensure the successful integration of systems within diverse environments, ranging from flight systems to shipboard installations.
The selected individual will design mechanical solutions for system integration, including mounting systems, antenna gimballing/vectoring mechanisms, and equipment enclosures. Additional responsibilities include developing installation plans, addressing environmental factors such as aerospace and shipboard conditions, and ensuring compliance with stringent operational specifications. The role also involves packaging designs for transportation and engineering considerations for material/weight handling and structural loading for shipboard systems.
This position requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to developing systems critical to national defense applications. The selected engineer will support onsite or collaborative work at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, IN.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Mechanical Design for RF Systems Integration:
  • Design and develop mechanical solutions to integrate RF Rx/Tx systems into flight systems and shipboard environments.
  • Engineer mounting systems for sea-based systems, ensuring system stability, durability, and compliance with operational environmental constraints.
  • Design and analyze antenna gimballing/vectoring systems, addressing mechanical, dynamic, and loading considerations.
  • Create designs that account for vibration, shock, and temperature variations encountered in aerospace and shipboard environments.
Installation and Integration Planning:
  • Develop installation and integration plans for systems on both flight platforms and shipboard platforms.
  • Perform structural and environmental analysis to ensure proper installation within aerospace and shipboard environments.
  • Incorporate weight and material handling considerations into design plans for shipboard systems to ensure compliance with operational and safety standards.
  • Address dimensional, load-bearing, and material specifications for mounting and structural elements.
Packaging and Transportation Design:
  • Design packaging solutions to ensure safe transportation of system assemblies and components.
  • Engineer ruggedized and secure enclosures to protect systems and subsystems during transit and deployment.
  • Address operational constraints and maximize the transportability of systems for aerospace and shipboard applications.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with RF engineers, electrical engineers, and systems engineers to ensure all mechanical designs meet system-level requirements.
  • Contribute to trade studies to evaluate mechanical options for optimal performance, reliability, and cost considerations.
  • Participate in system testing and validation efforts to align mechanical designs with program requirements and operational scenarios.
Shipboard Engineering and Special Considerations:
  • Develop designs that support weight handling and material handling equipment for shipboard installations.
  • Perform analyses related to structural loading, vibration, and dynamic forces to ensure reliability in harsh maritime environments and aerospace re-entry environments.
  • Ensure compliance with Navy, MIL-STD, and other applicable standards for shipboard operations.

Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Two (2) more years of experience in mechanical engineering related to aerospace and/or shipboard system integration.
  • Interim secret clearance required to start with the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance. SAIC will sponsor the clearance process if necessary.
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing mechanical systems for dynamic environments, including mounting systems, enclosures, and installations.
  • Experience designing systems to operate in aerospace and/or maritime environments, accounting for vibration, shock, thermal variation, and loading.
  • Strong skills in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or CREO) and analytical tools for structural and environmental analysis (e.g., ANSYS or Abaqus).
  • Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD and industry standards applicable to aerospace and naval systems a plus.
Preferred Experience:
  • Experience with RF system integration or similar electronics enclosures and mounting systems.
  • Familiarity with antenna vectoring or gimballing systems and their mechanical design requirements.
  • Hands-on experience with material and weight-handling systems for shipboard applications.
  • Knowledge of packaging and transportation requirements for sensitive or mission-critical equipment.
  • Certifications such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Professional Engineer (PE), or similar industry qualifications are a plus.

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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