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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · Hybrid

Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic, is highly desired. As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Sciences Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology ... As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight performance engineer in the United States is $60.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.28 and $68.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Flight Performance Engineers?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Performance Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
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Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,019 per year, or $60.1 per hour.
Flight Sciences Engineer

Flight Sciences Engineer

Stratolaunch

Mojave, CA • Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a level II or Sr-level Flight Sciences Engineer to support the conceptual design and aerodynamic analyses of hypersonic vehicles. Candidates must have a strong foundation in aerodynamics and flight mechanics, including stability and control, aerodynamic model development, flight simulation, computation fluid dynamics (CFD), and/or relevant wind tunnel testing. Experience with aircraft design and aerodynamic/performance analyses across the speed range from subsonic to hypersonic, is highly desired.

As a Flight Science Engineer, you will contribute to a small hypersonic advanced design team, designing current and future Stratolaunch hypersonic vehicles. Your tasking may include conceptual design trade studies, detailed design and analysis tasks, development of analytical tools to support the team, and flight test support of currently operating vehicles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform vehicle trajectory analysis and optimization on current and future vehicles
  • Contribute to development of aerodynamic databases using analytical, numerical, ground and flight test data
  • Perform analytical and numerical analyses to evaluate the aerodynamics, performance, and stability & control of hypersonic vehicles
  • Develop aerodynamic models for a variety of hypersonic vehicle configurations
  • Contribute to flight performance simulations through modeling and/or aerodynamic analyses
  • Analyze wind tunnel and flight test data, as required
  • Develop advanced design tools, as required
  • Support the preparation of business proposals to the US Government and industry
  • Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of, and experience with aerodynamics, performance, stability & control, and atmospheric aerospace vehicle design
  • Experience with subsonic, transonic, or supersonic theory and analyses
  • Ability to self-start, work with urgency, and on their own initiative, and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
  • Willing and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with hypersonic aerodynamic theory and analysis
  • Experience with hypersonic vehicle development and/or test
  • Experience with supersonic vehicle development and/or test
  • Experience building aerodynamics models for complex aerospace vehicles
  • Experience with trajectory shaping and optimization
  • Proficient in lofting compound surfaces for aerospace vehicles
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Active security clearance

Required Computer Skills:

  • Scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

 

Preferred Computer Skills:

  • Experience with CFD analysis tools - preferred: US3D, Fun3D, Pointwise, Link3D, StarCCM, Kestrel
  • Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software tools
  • Experience with trajectory optimization analysis tools
  • Familiarity with configuration management systems - Jira (preferred)
  • Familiarity with revision control of software - Git (preferred)
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
  • Level II ($101,079-$146,500): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 2-5 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Sr-Level ($120,500-$158,000): Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • While Stratolaunch is headquartered in Mojave, CA, this position offers flexibility in work location. Remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements are all available based on candidate preference and business needs. 
  • Travel, as needed, to support the department.  Travel estimated to be <5%.

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