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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

AST SpaceMobile

Mechanisms Flight Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

This engineer will verify command and telemetry paths, motor drive performance, sensor feedback, and end-to-end mechanism functionality prior to flight. The role owns the execution and validation of ...

AST SpaceMobile

Mechanisms Flight Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

This engineer will verify command and telemetry paths, motor drive performance, sensor feedback, and end-to-end mechanism functionality prior to flight. The role owns the execution and validation of ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD

$90K - $140K/yr

Maintain detailed flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs), documenting system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or an applicable STEM field · Experience: 3-7 ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Maintain detailed flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs), documenting system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or an applicable STEM field · Experience: 3-7 ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD

$90K - $140K/yr

Maintain detailed flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs), documenting system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or an applicable STEM field · Experience: 3-7 ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Arnold, MD · On-site

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 ...

Kratos Defense

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Glen Burnie, MD

$101K - $138K/yr

Interface with related engineering disciplines to provide propulsion related expertise (flight performance, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, GNC, operations, etc.) * Support ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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 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?

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 Maryland? For Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Maryland are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:
Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Mission Performance Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Laurel, MD • On-site

$85 - $195/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

Are you interested in modeling and simulation of complex flight systems and strategic missions?

Do you want to become an expert in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions to next generation strategic flight systems that accelerate the readiness of our Nation’s defenses?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team.

We are seeking a Mission Performance Engineer to help us analyze, develop and prototype next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies. As a member of our team, you’ll be making critical contributions to system level objectives and advance the development of these next generation systems. You will be joining a collaborative team who are passionate about innovation, committed to providing engaging challenging work, and promoting personal development.

As a Modeling and Simulation Engineer
  • You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced hypersonic and reentry system designs and prototypes for strategic missions
  • You will develop the modeling and simulation tools used to analyze a variety of ballistic missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and reentry systems
  • You will perform trade studies and performance assessments of conceptual designs across their mission space.
  • You will own and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation models while enhancing their runtime performance and efficiency
  • You will produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors
Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Have a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
  • Have familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics.
  • Have experience working with or developing modeling and simulation tools.
  • Have experience programming in MATLAB, Python, and/or other high performance scientific languages.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles.
  • Have 5+ years experience in flight vehicle modeling and simulation, flight dynamics, and/or mission level engagement scenarios.
  • Have experience with Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization tools.
  • Have experience with AFSIM.
  • Have experience programming in Simulink, C, and/or C++.
  • Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.
Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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