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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reaxiomatic

Staff Flight Sciences Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Role Overview The Staff Flight Sciences Engineer is responsible for assessing and validating the flight performance and safety margins of systems developed by Reax. This role ensures that aircraft ...

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Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

Joby Aviation

Performance Lead/DER

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$126K - $277K/yr

Support test procedure development and test execution for field and flight performance validation. * Develop engineering tools to complete analysis tasks associated with aircraft development and ...

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Flight Performance Engineer information

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$11

$60

$98

How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight performance engineers or aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in the aerospace industry. High compensation often reflects leadership roles, complex project responsibilities, or working for major aerospace companies with demanding schedules and technical expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace or flight performance engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in the aerospace or defense industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such high compensation typically requires specialized expertise, leadership roles, or working for major corporations in high-demand sectors.

Is there a demand for Flight Engineers?

The demand for Flight Engineers has decreased significantly with advancements in aircraft automation and modern aircraft design, leading to fewer openings in the field. However, opportunities may still exist in specialized roles, older aircraft maintenance, or in regions with limited automation, requiring relevant certifications and experience. Overall, the role is becoming less common in the aviation industry.

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.

What do aircraft performance engineers do?

Aircraft performance engineers analyze and optimize the performance of aircraft, including fuel efficiency, speed, and handling characteristics. They use flight data, simulations, and engineering tools to ensure aircraft meet safety and efficiency standards, often working closely with design teams and pilots. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of aerodynamics and aircraft systems are essential for this role.
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What cities are hiring for Flight Performance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Flight Performance Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Flight Performance Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Performance Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Performance Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Performance Engineer jobs are:
Flight Performance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Performance Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,019 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$140K - $179K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the aerodynamic and aeroheating database development across the full flight envelope and serve as the aeroscience input to GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis.

  • Plan, execute, and reduce data from wind tunnel campaigns, reconcile ground test results with CFD predictions, and update vehicle databases with well-documented revisions.

  • Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows using specified tools and build structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise.

Job description

About this Role

Varda is seeking an Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Engineer to support operation of Varda's current vehicles and the development of Varda's next reentry vehicle - from rarefied entry, to hypersonic maneuvering, and subsonic terminal approach. The candidate must have experience running high speed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and supporting wind tunnel campaigns. Exposure to 6DOF flight dynamics modeling, and experience developing flight rules is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate should have been involved in the aerodynamic development of a currently flying vehicle from cradle to grave. This role is open at the Eng II and Senior level, with levels determined based on candidate experience.

Responsibilities

Own the aerodynamic and aeroheating database development across the full flight envelope, from free-molecular rarefied entry through hypersonic maneuvering to subsonic terminal approach, serving as the authoritative aeroscience input to GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis

  • Plan, execute, and reduce data from wind tunnel campaigns; reconcile ground test results with CFD predictions and update vehicle databases with traceable, well-documented revisions
  • Run high-fidelity CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows using tools such as Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, and CBAero; build structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise
  • Characterize static and dynamic stability, develop 6DOF simulation inputs, and contribute to flight rules and vehicle-level performance models
  • Synthesize aerodynamic evidence from CFD, wind tunnel, and flight telemetry into a coherent, traceable database that supports GNC, TPS sizing, and mission analysis
  • Lead post-flight aerodynamic reconstruction and performance assessments; identify where preflight predictions diverged from reality and drive model updates that make the next mission sharper
  • Collaborate across disciplines: GNC, structures, TPS, and mission planning, to deliver flight-ready aeroscience products and serve as the aerodynamics voice in every cross-discipline design discussion
Basic Qualifications
  • BS degree in engineering or physics and 3+ years of relevant industry experience, or a relevant PhD and 1+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Meaningful contribution to the aerodynamic development of a hypersonic vehicle that has flown, or is on track to fly within the next 5 years
  • Experience analyzing aerodynamic data from test, CFD, flight, and other sources and documenting findings rigorously
  • Experience running CFD and DSMC simulations of hypersonic and subsonic flows (Fun3D, LAURA, DPLR, US3D, SPARTA, DAC, CBAero)
  • Comfortable building structured and unstructured meshes in Pointwise
  • Proficiency in MATLAB or Python
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex aeroscience findings for cross-disciplinary audiences 
  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Advanced degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, specializing in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
  • 6+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Hands-on wind tunnel campaign experience, including test planning, execution, and data reduction
  • Direct ownership of aerodynamic and aeroheating databases for a flying vehicle
  • Familiarity with modeling vehicle dynamics in POST2 or similar 6DOF tools
  • Experience sizing ablative or non-ablative TPS
  • Experience with flight reconstruction and post-flight performance evaluations
  • Technical breadth in adjacent disciplines (GNC, avionics, software, structures)
Pay Range
  • Salary Range: 
    • Eng II: $119,543- $152,749
    • Senior: $140,333- $179,314
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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