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Flight Test Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a Test Conductor, or other lead ...

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a Test Conductor, or other lead ...

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a Test Conductor, or other lead ...

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$123K - $187.50K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$123K - $187.50K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and ...

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

About the job Flight Test Engineer Flight Test Engineer About Our Client Our Client is an aerospace ... Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.

About the job Flight Test Engineer About Castelion Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense ... Oversee pre-flight integration, ground control setup, instrumentation setup, and configuration ...

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.

Flight Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Provide support for test events as a flight test engineer and/or test conductor onboard aircraft and in the control room * Participate in flight briefs and debriefs for test events * Participate in ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.

Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during ... Lead the Mission Operations team assigned to a flight or se Test Engineer, Flight, Engineer ...

Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS ... S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and ...

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of ... Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness and configuration control

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Test Control Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$133.1K

$201.3K

How much do flight test control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test control engineer in California is $133,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Flight Test Control Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, flight test principles, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, and specialized software (such as MATLAB or LabVIEW) is typically required, along with certifications like FAA DER or EASA equivalent being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help coordinate test activities and interpret results. These competencies are vital to ensure the accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance of flight test operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Test Control Engineers during test campaigns?

Flight Test Control Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to changing test parameters, coordinating real-time data collection with multiple teams, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols during dynamic flight conditions. They must also troubleshoot unexpected technical issues on the ground and in-flight, often under tight deadlines. Collaboration with pilots, instrumentation engineers, and regulatory representatives is crucial to ensure successful and compliant test operations.

What are Flight Test Control Engineers?

Flight Test Control Engineers are specialized engineers responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the testing of aircraft systems and components during flight tests. They work closely with pilots, test engineers, and other team members to ensure that flight tests are conducted safely and efficiently, gathering and analyzing data to validate aircraft performance and compliance with regulations. Their role is crucial in identifying potential issues and ensuring that new or modified aircraft meet all safety and operational requirements before entering service.

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

AspectFlight Test Control EngineerFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in aerospace or related field, certifications like FAA or EASA preferredBachelor's or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentTest ranges, aircraft facilities, control roomsFlight testing sites, laboratories, aircraft
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing and testingDesign, execute, and analyze flight tests in aerospace

Both roles require aerospace knowledge and certifications, but Flight Test Control Engineers focus on managing test operations and control systems, while Flight Test Engineers are involved in planning and conducting the actual flight tests. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities within the flight testing process.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Control Engineer jobs in California? For Flight Test Control Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Test Engineer/Test Conductor

Flight Test Engineer/Test Conductor

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Edwards, CA • On-site

$140K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Flight Test Engineer / Test Conductor to join our growing team at Edwards AFB in California. This position may be hired at the Associate, Career or Senior level.
This individual will be responsible for planning, execution, and reporting of flight tests for military platforms as a Test Conductor.
The following specific duties are anticipated:
• Author and review ground and flight test plans and test cards.
• Author and review flight test safety plans.
• Schedule resources for tests and coordinate with many engineering disciplines and outside agencies to ensure successful test execution.
• Lead test mission briefs as a Test Conductor
• Lead the execution of test missions as a Test Conductor
• Complete post-test mission reporting requirements.
• Other duties in-line with MTSI's core value to "Own and Solve our Customer's Problems."
Required:
• Bachelors degree in Engineering is required.
• Possess a willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of our customers' requirements and needs.
• Have a reputation of being a team player and work well in a team environment, as well as independently.
• Possess maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of discipline engineers in a Mission Control Room.
Desired:
• Coursework relating to aeronautics, flight test, and/or electronic warfare capabilities
• Private Pilot license
• Prior experiences as a test conductor, test director, or flight test control room engineer
Travel:
Approximately 10-25% travel may be required.
Clearance Requirements:
Candidates must be able to qualify for and maintain a Top Secret clearance with special access programs.
U.S. Citizenship is required
This position may be filled at multiple levels depending on candidate pool. Anticipated salary depends on experience:
Associate Flight Test Engineer: $97,000 - $115,000 annually
Career Flight Test Engineer: $115,000 - $140,000 annually
Senior Flight Test Engineer: $140,000 - $172,000 annually
The pay range for this position in California is $97,000/year to $172,000/ year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.
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