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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Specter Aerospace

GNC Engineer I/II

Peabody, MA · On-site

Our GNC Engineer I/II will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D ... Perform GNC-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight performance 

Specter Aerospace

GNC Engineer III/IV

Peabody, MA · On-site

Our GNC Engineer III/IV will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D ... Perform GNC-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions * Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions * Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues ...

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $215K/yr

Analyze ground and flight test data to identify performance trends, anomalies, root causes, and corrective actions * Coordinate with engineering teams to validate requirements, troubleshoot issues ...

Specter Aerospace

Performance Analyst I/II

Peabody, MA · On-site

A successful candidate will have prior experience conducting analysis of flight vehicle performance ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline * 0 ...

Specter Aerospace

Performance Analyst I/II

Peabody, MA · On-site

A successful candidate will have prior experience conducting analysis of flight vehicle performance ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline * 0 ...

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All JobsFlight Performance Engineer JobsFlight Performance Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Flight Performance Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

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$65

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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 Boston, MA is $65.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.56 and $73.89 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 Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you

GNC Engineer I/II

Specter Aerospace

Peabody, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer I/II to support the design and analysis of high-speed airbreathing testbed vehicles. A successful candidate will have prior experience developing GNC algorithms for high-speed and hypersonic flight systems, developing and analyzing six degree-of-freedom simulations, and supporting the transition from development to flight. 

About Specter Aerospace 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our GNC Engineer I/II will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role & Responsibilities 

  • Support development of six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) simulations using C++  
  • Design and evaluate GNC algorithms for the control of high-speed airbreathing vehicles  
  • Perform GNC-related analyses of high-speed airbreathing vehicles to assess flight performance  
  • Develop software-/hardware-in-the-loop (SWIL/HWIL) capabilities to aid in design, analysis, and verification of high-speed systems  
  • Support trajectory optimization and analysis efforts (3DOF/6DOF)  
  • Coordinate with modeling and simulation team to support survivability/employment analyses in a classified setting  
  • Other duties as assigned by the company  

Required Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related discipline  
  • 0-3 years of relevant full-time experience  
  • Experience developing modeling and simulation tools, including 6DOF simulations of high-speed systems  
  • Proficient in Python or MATLAB  
  • Understanding of GNC fundamentals and applications to high-speed flight  
  • Experienced in both classical and modern control methods  
  • Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)  

Preferred Qualifications  

  • Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline  
  • 2+ years of relevant full-time experience  
  • Experience transitioning guidance algorithms from development to flight  
  • Experience with C++   
  • Experience supporting ground and flight test efforts including SWIL/HWIL activities  
  • Active DoD security clearance  

EEO Statement

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.