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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Senior Aerospace Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

We are seeking an Aerospace Engineer to own the flight performance, endurance, and mass properties for V-BAT. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority on aircraft performance ...

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Texas is $56.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.91 and $63.37 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,474 per year, or $56 per hour.

Senior Aerospace Engineer

Shield AI

Dallas, TX • On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
We are seeking an Aerospace Engineer to own the flight performance, endurance, and mass properties for V-BAT. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority on aircraft performance-translating flight dynamics, aircraft configuration, and environmental conditions into validated models that guide design decisions, payload integration, and autonomous flight software. You will work at the intersection of design, propulsion, guidance and controls, flight test, and go-to-market teams to continuously improve the capability and reliability of the aircraft.
What you'll do:
  • Performance & Endurance Analysis: Develop and refine endurance, range, loiter, and cruise performance calculations based on flight dynamics, aircraft configuration, and operating environment (altitude, temperature, wind, and mission profile).
  • Weight & Balance Ownership: Own the aircraft weight and center-of-gravity (CG) model, including tracking, allocation budgets, and reporting throughout design changes and configuration updates, ensuring CG remains within stable flight limits.
  • Aero & Engine Modeling: Create, validate, and maintain the aerodynamic (lift, drag, and stability) and propulsion (engine) models of the aircraft for use by the Guidance and Controls team, supporting continuous improvement of the flight computer and autonomy stack.
  • Cross-Functional Design Collaboration: Partner with Mechanical and Propulsion Design engineers to assess the weight, drag, and aerodynamic performance impacts of proposed design changes to the airframe, wing, and control surfaces.
  • Payload & Configuration Evaluation: Collaborate with Go-To-Market teams to evaluate new payloads and estimate endurance and performance for new or customer-specific configurations.
  • Flight Test: Plan and drive flight test campaigns to validate operational envelopes, correlate aero/engine models against flight data, and characterize real-world aircraft performance across the flight envelope.
  • Root Cause & Corrective Action: Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) of performance anomalies and test findings, and drive corrective actions to closure.
  • Requirements & Envelope Definition: Analyze large flight and test data sets to establish and refine operational envelope requirements and performance specifications.

Required qualifications:
  • B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical field).
  • 3+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
  • Demonstrated understanding of fixed-wing flight dynamics, aircraft performance, and aerodynamic/propulsion fundamentals.
  • Proficiency in analyzing large data sets to define operational envelope requirements and validate models (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
  • Experience developing or maintaining aircraft weight and CG models.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams to drive change.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to varied audiences.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Full lifecycle experience taking a product from concept through development, flight test, and field sustainment.
  • Direct experience with fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAV) or autonomous aircraft.
  • Experience building or tuning aero and engine models used by guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems.
  • Hands-on flight test experience, including test planning, instrumentation, and data reduction.
  • Familiarity with fixed-wing modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, XFLR5, AVL, or comparable aerodynamic/performance tools).
  • Understanding of relevant airworthiness, safety, or defense acquisition standards.

$115,000 - $150,000 a year
#LI-AA1
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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