1

Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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 cities in Maryland are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:

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.

Contractor Flight Test Director (CFTD)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Lexington Park, MD • On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector and the ITT is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of ITT Contractor Flight Test Director (CFTD). Candidate will be based in Patuxent River, MD. The CFTD is NGC's senior representative and the site lead at the ITT and the point of contact with host squadron leadership and the PMA.

Role and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate with Test and Evaluation Leadership and E-130J TACAMO program manager to develop strategies, methodologies and execute to achieve program goals. Documenting solutions/plans in the proposal technical volume.

  • Possess in depth knowledge of air vehicle and mission systems testing

  • Capable of supporting business development activities, support proposals (generate schedules and cost estimates), and support test reviews

  • Responsible for cost, schedule, and technical performance for various test activities executed within the IPT

  • Management of budgets using EVMS reporting tools; accountable for cost, schedule, and reporting any variances

Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Aeronautical Engineer:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in test and/or aircraft operations experience, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in test and/or aircraft operations experience.

    A current DoD Top Secret level security clearance

  • Knowledge of flight test planning, safety planning, test operations, and test reporting

  • Strong ability to communicate complex technical issues and solutions

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Significant experience in a developmental/operational test environment

  • Test Pilot School graduate or formal flight test training

  • Experience operating in a US Navy Integrated Test Force

  • Experience leading an aircraft operation under DCMA Instruction 8210 oversight

  • Experience building and maintaining a high performance team in a high paced aerospace environment

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939