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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lockheed Martin Corporation

The candidate will be responsible for pre-flight performance prediction simulation runs as well as ... The candidate GNC Engineer should have experience with basic flight mechanics and equations of ...

Safe Flight Instrument

Machinist

White Plains, NY

$23 - $35/hr

Safe Flight, a leader in aviation safety and flight performance systems, was founded in 1946. The ... Knowledge of CNC programming and/or operation a plus Experience: * A minimum of 5+ years of ...

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Safe Flight Instrument

CNC Operator

White Plains, NY · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Safe Flight, a leader in aviation safety and flight performance systems, was founded in 1946. The ... Knowledge of CNC programming and/or operation a plus. Experience: * A minimum of 3+ years of ...

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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.
More about Flight Performance Engineer jobs
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.
GNC Performance Engineer - Dallas, TX or Orlando, FL

GNC Performance Engineer - Dallas, TX or Orlando, FL

Lockheed Martin Corporation

On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct performance analysis, generate error budgets, and perform hardware in the loop analysis and simulation modeling.

  • Develop and refine fire control algorithms, guidance laws, autopilot algorithms, seeker algorithms, and truth modeling.

  • Support the integration, test, verification, and validation of missile algorithms and perform system performance assessments and trade studies.

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 387 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) is one of four Lockheed Martin business areas.
We are experiencing growth and looking for a GNC Engineer to join our team in Orlando, FL OR Dallas, TX.
What You Will Be Doing
Representative areas of responsibility include performance analysis, generation of error budgets, hardware in the loop analysis, simulation modeling, fire control algorithm development, engage-ability analysis, development and refinement of guidance laws and autopilot algorithms, flight test support, seeker algorithm and truth modeling, and conducting trade studies.
The GNC Engineer will support the integration, test, verification and validation of missile algorithms. As well as support system performance assessments and trade studies. The candidate will be responsible for pre-flight performance prediction simulation runs as well as post-flight reconstruction including model verification and validation with collected flight test data.
The candidate GNC Engineer should have experience with basic flight mechanics and equations of motion governing a six degree of freedom (6DOF) flight simulation and have strong problem-solving skills to identify and correct any unexplained artifacts in the simulation results or flight test data. Knowledge of statistical analysis methods of simulation data and data reduction methods, reporting and development of post-processing tools will be required.
The candidate should have working-knowledge of Linux shell, higher order languages (MATLAB, Python), with FORTRAN and/or C++ programming experience a plus.
Experience using and tailoring post-run analysis scripts and tools is required.
Why Join Us
We are committed to supporting your work-life balance and overall well-being, offering flexible scheduling options Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.
Further Information About This Opportunity:
This position is in Dallas. Discover more about our Dallas, Texas location.
This position is in Orlando. Discover more about our Orlando, Florida location.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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