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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Merlin Labs

$200K - $265K/yr

You are an experienced flight controls engineer passionate about autonomous flight who wants to ... Participate in flight testing for system identification and verification of control law performance ...

Draper

Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$100K - $275K/yr

Draper is looking for a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished to join the Mission ... The engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. They design and ...

Draper

Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$100K - $275K/yr

Draper is looking for a highly skilled Flight Software Engineer, Distinguished to join the Mission ... The engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. They design and ...

Draper

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$62K - $275K/yr

... high-performance, fault-tolerant flight software for resource-constrained platforms across air ... The Senior Engineer will own the end-to-end software lifecycle-from requirements analysis and ...

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All JobsFlight Performance Engineer JobsFlight Performance Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

Flight Performance Engineer information

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Massachusetts is $65.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.80 and $74.28 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 are popular job titles related to Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs?

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

Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you

Staff Engineer, Core Flight Controls

Merlin Labs

On-site, Remote

$200K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Merlin:
Merlin (NASDAQ: MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full-stack autonomy for any aircraft from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot autonomy system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles and has been proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from Merlin's global flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon, Bedford, Massachusetts. Headquartered in Boston, Merlin is expanding its organization to accelerate the development and deployment of its autonomy platform, helping customers solve some of aviation's most pressing challenges, from pilot shortages to improving flight safety. Backed by some of the world's leading investors prior to its public listing, Merlin continues to advance the certification and commercialization of autonomous flight across commercial and defense aviation.
About you:
You are an experienced flight controls engineer passionate about autonomous flight who wants to contribute to making airplanes fly themselves. You are familiar with fixed wing aircraft and the classical and modern methods used to control them automatically. You know how to use industry standard tools for this work, and you are excited to work on novel applications.
Responsibilities:
  • Design and implement flight controls for our aircraft automation system.
  • Decompose system requirements into low level flight controls requirements
  • Help create and use the simulation tools needed for development and testing including
  • Simulink control law modeling, analysis using MATLAB and Python.
  • Participate in flight testing for system identification and verification of control law performance on multiple aircraft types.
  • Own the flight control system from end-to-end and be responsible for product delivery to programs and customers
  • Collaborate across Merlin to develop novel, certifiable systems to solve the toughest problems in aviation and autonomy.

Qualifications:
  • BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering
  • 10+ years of experience developing control systems for fixed wing aircraft, with demonstrated understanding of fixed wing aircraft dynamics, classical and modern control design / analysis
  • Experience decomposing systems requirements into high level requirements for both outer loop and inner loop control design
  • Experience working in Model Based Development and certification of flight control systems, including proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink or another model-based development toolset
  • Experience designing, implementing, and testing software for real-time systems
  • Experience with linear model development, linear analysis and frequency domain gain tuning techniques

Nice to Haves:
  • MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering and/or Controls
  • Experience developing never-before-flown control systems
  • Experience extracting linear state space models from flight test data
  • Experience working directly with customers and being a company representative
  • Pilot license
  • Proficiency in C/C++ or Python

$200,000 - $265,000 a year
The compensation range provided is a good-faith estimate based on a wide range of factors, inclusive of base salary only. The actual offer will be determined by a variety of factors including the candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, and training. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Merlin's total compensation package. Additionally, Merlin offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees.
Merlin Labs offers an innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment. We also offer a top-notch benefits package (health, dental, life, unlimited vacation, and 401k with match) and work/life integration. Being part of the Merlin team allows you to become part of a small team that supports professional development while working together to achieve our mission.
Merlin Labs is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military service or obligation or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.
At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or consider candidates who require visa transfers. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: [email protected]
Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

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