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Flight Performance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualdoc

Flight Sciences Engineer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$60/hr

The ideal candidate has experience in flight sciences, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, engineering analysis, and certification support within an aerospace environment. Responsibilities * Perform ...

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 ...

Lockheed Martin Corporation

$98K - $135K/yr

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

CNC Operator

White Plains, NY

$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 ...

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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Flight Performance Engineer information

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How much do flight performance engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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.
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 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

Qualdoc

Newport News, VA • On-site

$60/hr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Flight Sciences Engineer

Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract
Pay: Starting at $60.00/hour (higher based on experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Flight Sciences Engineer to support aircraft modification, repair, and certification programs. This role is responsible for evaluating aircraft flight characteristics, aerodynamic performance, structural loading, flight dynamics, and flight testing while ensuring compliance with FAA, military, and industry standards.

The ideal candidate has experience in flight sciences, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, engineering analysis, and certification support within an aerospace environment.

Responsibilities
  • Perform engineering analyses related to aircraft flight characteristics, aerodynamic performance, structural loading, and flight dynamics.
  • Evaluate aircraft modifications and repairs to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
  • Develop engineering analyses, technical reports, compliance documentation, and certification support packages.
  • Perform aerodynamic evaluations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), flight loads, flutter analysis, structural dynamics, stability and control assessments, and aircraft performance analyses.
  • Develop flight test plans, test procedures, instrumentation requirements, data acquisition strategies, and post-flight data analysis.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, production, quality, and certification teams throughout project execution.
  • Support ground testing, flight testing, troubleshooting, and aircraft modification activities.
  • Participate in engineering design reviews and provide recommendations related to aircraft performance, aeroelastic stability, structural integrity, and regulatory compliance.
  • Maintain engineering documentation under configuration control while ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering process development.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience supporting aircraft performance, flight sciences, aerodynamics, flight testing, aircraft modifications, or aerospace product development.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Aerodynamics
    • Aircraft performance
    • Stability and control
    • Flight mechanics
    • Structural loading
    • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Experience developing engineering analyses, technical reports, compliance documentation, and certification support documentation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, production, quality, and certification teams.
  • Comfortable working in both office and aircraft hangar environments.
  • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience supporting aircraft modification, repair, integration, flight sciences, or aerospace engineering programs.
  • Experience performing aerodynamic analyses, CFD, aircraft performance evaluations, flight loads, flutter analysis, structural dynamics, or flight test engineering.
  • Experience preparing engineering reports, substantiation packages, certification documentation, and test plans.
  • Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516C airworthiness requirements.
  • Experience supporting FAA certification activities, ground testing, flight testing, and compliance demonstrations.
  • Experience using engineering analysis software such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, OpenFOAM, MATLAB/Simulink, FlightStream, or similar tools.
  • Knowledge of aircraft systems, avionics integration, aircraft structures, and modification practices.
  • Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems, engineering release processes, and configuration management.
  • Experience collaborating with FAA representatives, engineering consultants, suppliers, customers, military authorities, or certification organizations.
What You'll Bring
  • Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • Ability to solve complex aerospace engineering challenges.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Commitment to engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Qualdoc

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Strategic planning consulting services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

2020

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