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Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Next Matter

Flight Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Flight Test Engineer As a Flight Test Engineer at Castelion, you will be working within the Test Operations and Logistics team to execute a rapid iterative development and test campaign. You will ...

MORSE Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

As Flight Test Engineer at MORSE, you are a critical member of the team taking vehicles from concept to flight leading fast-paced, iterative, and rigorous test campaigns managing both local and ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Garmin Ltd.

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Salem, OR · On-site

Overview We are seeking a full-time Senior Flight Test Engineer for Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of complex ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Arnold, MD · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware). * Test duties ...

Jobless

Flight Test Engineer, Sr level

Huntsville, AL · On-site

The Senior Flight Test Engineer leads the planning, execution, and analysis of complex flight test programs to verify aircraft performance, airworthiness, mission capability, and regulatory ...

Canvas, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

Flight Test Engineer**Location:** Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, THThe Flight Test Engineer provides critical systems engineering, test planning, and operational execution support to the 715 TS IDT Flight.

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Flight TEST Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight test engineer?

Flight Test Engineers are specialized professionals who plan, conduct, and analyze tests on aircraft and aerospace systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They collaborate with pilots, design engineers, and technicians to develop test plans, monitor test flights, and interpret data collected during these flights. Their work is crucial in identifying potential issues, validating design changes, and certifying aircraft for operational use. Flight Test Engineers often work for aircraft manufacturers, government agencies, or research organizations.

What does a flight test engineer do?

As a flight test engineer, your job is to oversee testing the operations and performance of aircraft in line with FAA regulations and guidelines from the manufacturer. This job frequently involves planning, managing, coordinating, and executing a full spectrum of aircraft testing, including tests on all mechanical and electronic systems. Some details of this job vary based on the kinds of aircraft with which you work. Flight test engineers may work with everything from single-engine civilian aircraft to large, military planes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a flight test engineer often requires meeting the qualifications for a security clearance, studying guides and technical manuals, contacting part manufacturers, and excellent communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and simulation software—along with certifications like FAA DER or EASA equivalent—are often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with pilots and multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities ensure accurate data collection, safe test operations, and successful validation of aircraft performance and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by flight test engineers during the testing process?

Flight Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing safety with the need to gather comprehensive data during test flights. They must coordinate closely with pilots, design teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure all test objectives are met while adhering to strict safety protocols. Weather conditions, unexpected aircraft behavior, and last-minute design changes can also impact test schedules. Effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful test outcomes.

What is the difference between Flight Test Engineer vs Flight Test Technician?

AspectFlight Test EngineerFlight Test Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering; often requires FAA or EASA certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's in aerospace technology or related field; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDesigning, planning, analyzing flight tests; collaborating with engineers and pilotsAssisting with test preparations, data collection, and aircraft inspections
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, research, and developmentInvolved in testing and maintenance within aerospace companies and testing facilities

Flight Test Engineers focus on designing and analyzing flight tests, requiring advanced engineering skills and certifications. Flight Test Technicians support these activities through hands-on testing and data collection. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do flight test engineers get paid?

Flight test engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with government agencies.
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Flight TEST Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.
Engineering Professional Services • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and mission-oriented Flight Test Engineer to join our elite team supporting the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) Test Execution Team. In this role, you will deliver critical test planning, coordination, and execution expertise for a diverse portfolio of high-priority external programs, including cutting-edge cruise and hypersonic weapon system developments. Working in a fast-paced joint environment, you will bridge the gap between developmental contractors, major DoD test ranges, and senior military leadership to ensure our nation's next-generation strategic capabilities are rigorously tested, validated, and deployed safely and effectively.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide specialized flight test engineering expertise to advanced weapon system development programs, with a focus on cruise and hypersonic systems.
  • Act as Assistant Test Director for instrumentation, telemetry, and critical data collection assets.
  • Participate in comprehensive flight test event planning, execution, and data management (collection and distribution).
  • Review test objectives, plans and other required documentation.
  • Coordinate and provide requirements for test venues, test assets and participants across the DOD community.
  • Develop and maintain multiple program level Integrated Master Schedules.
  • Prepare countdown checklists, supporting test planning products and coordinating analysis activities.
  • Support mission execution team training events
  • Apply technical expertise to assess test range, weapon system or technology project readiness for testing and advise senior government personnel on test readiness
  • Prepare mission execution schedules, logistics coordination and track status and risk
  • Interface with other government and range organizations and development contractors

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree
  • 5-15 years of related experience
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products with emphasis on MS Project and/or any other scheduling programs
  • Active Secret Clearance

Required Experience:
  • Proven experience preparing flight test briefings, readiness reviews, and formal decision-supporting documentation for senior leadership.
  • Direct experience developing detailed mission execution checklists and countdown documentation.

Desired Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline.
  • Experience authoring and coordinating Universal Documentation System (UDS) packages, including Program Requirements Document (PRD) and Operation Requirements (OR).
  • Experience testing at major test ranges to include but not limited to Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Reagan Test Range (RTR), Point Mugu Sea Range (PMSR), and White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

Desired Qualifications:
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Experience serving as a Test Director and performing on-console operations

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