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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs in Fontana, CA (NOW HIRING)

Propulsion Test Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$80K - $170K/yr

You will serve as the bridge between design and flight, ensuring propulsion systems perform ... to validate performance against specifications. * Safety & Operations: Execute and oversee ...

Systems Engineer

La Verne, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... flight entertainment, water systems, climate control systems, etc., ensuring the components ... Define technical scope, performance goals, manage requirements, and safety constraints for aircraft ...

Composite Engineer

Adelanto, CA · On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Composite Engineer to join our team at the Adelanto Flight ... Keeps management informed of product performance, quality status, risks and customer concerns.

Structural Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$90K - $175K/yr

... flight sciences, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout vehicle development. * Participate in technical design reviews and communicate structural risks, margins, and performance ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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$61

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in Fontana, CA is $61.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.10 and $69.18 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 cities near Fontana, CA are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fontana, CA with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in Fontana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,100 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Staff Flight Test Engineer, Air Dominance & Strike

Anduril Industries

Victorville, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in developmental test of a new and revolutionary Group 5 UAS, and experience performing test engineering responsibilities and early prototype development. You will work heavily with the program leadership and a wide spectrum of cross-departments to help build a team focused on solving hard problems and changing the industry forever. The role will be responsible for owning and supporting on planning, coordination, execution and reporting on all facets of the test program.
The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril works across the entire spectrum of products and business lines, as well as all flight operations and test range management. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, sub-component qualification testing and much more. In short, if it involves test, we support it. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Perform senior-level, development flight test engineer activities for the Fury UAS; emphasis placed on resource planning, conducting ground and flight test, initial issue investigation, and process improvement/development.
  • Lead and/or be a part of a team of flight test engineers, functional engineers, and program representatives responsible for conducting ground and flight test events at private, and government-owned test ranges.
  • Collect test data and perform initial data analysis for the system under test.
  • Work closely with Engineering to develop requirements, discuss test results, to include collected data and observations.
  • Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 12+ years of experience as test conductor/director for developmental aircraft, weapons, or missile systems.
  • A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Extensive experience as a test conductor/test director for developmental aircraft, weapon, or missile systems
  • Test engineering experience working with developmental systems of manned and/or unmanned aircraft to include requirements development, test planning and execution, and test reporting
  • Test and engineering experience in aero/performance, loads/dynamics, propulsion or electrical
  • Must have a complete understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Previous experience with and current working knowledge of MIL-STD-882E, MIL-STD-516C, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS5653, etc.
  • Previous expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System, government restricted airspace and UAS operating rules and regulations thereof.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Strong computer and documentation experience.
  • Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
  • Experience with large aircraft development and working with the Department of Defense (DoD)
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to travel as required for test planning and execution
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
  • In this role, you will be subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening, as required by the Company.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior experience with software code/script building using programming languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.
  • Bias for action - if you see a problem, you want to solve and fix it
  • Experience managing individuals or teams of multiple individuals
  • Experience with large UAS development
  • Previous experience working within a Combined Test Force or equivalent

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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