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Flight Test Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

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 ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

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 ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer

Edwards, CA

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH The Flight Test Engineer provides ... Coordinate with range control, program offices, and control room personnel to ensure adherence to ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$123K - $187K/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 ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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.

LTA Research

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.

LTA Research

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.

Mach Industries

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

JetZero

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

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

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight ...

JetZero

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

The Senior Flight Test Engineer acts as a primary technical authority during test planning and ... Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure system readiness and configuration control

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

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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 Jun 21, 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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior flight test control engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in aerospace systems, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, specialized skills, and working for major aerospace or defense companies in a highly technical environment.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Flight Test Control Engineer typically does not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within aerospace or related industries. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities may approach high six-figure incomes, but salaries of $500,000 are rare for this position alone.

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 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.

How much do flight test engineers get paid?

Flight test control engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Senior engineers or those working on complex projects may earn higher salaries, and the role often requires knowledge of aerospace systems and testing procedures.

What does a flight control engineer do?

A flight control engineer designs, tests, and manages the control systems that ensure an aircraft's stability and maneuverability. They analyze flight data, develop control algorithms, and work with simulation tools to optimize aircraft performance, often requiring knowledge of aerodynamics, control theory, and avionics systems.
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:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Control Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Control Engineer jobs in California are:
Flight Test Control Engineer jobs near you
Flight Test Control Engineer

Flight Test Control Engineer

Lockheed Martin

Palmdale, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 384 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

We are Lockheed Martin
As an Flight Test Control Engineer (FTCE), you will be part of the Flight Test team of professionals. FTCE will have a strong background in developmental flight testing working with a team of engineers, maintainers and logistics personnel and perform various processes and protocols. You will ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance in all aspects of flight test operations. The role demands the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Travel, overtime, odd shifts, and weekend work may be required.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Working with a multidisciplinary test team, ensuring collaboration, timely project completion, and high standards of work.
2. Process & Procedure Development: Ensure the engineering, maintenance and logistics teams develops, implements, and adheres to robust processes and procedures for all flight test operations.
3. Configuration Control: Ensures rigorous configuration control practices, ensuring that all weapon system modifications, systems, and components align with company standards.
4. Training: Maintains and stays up to date current test team training and company standard requirements.
**Must be a US Citizen. This position is located at a facility that requires special access.**
EngineeringAeronautics
What's In It For You
Our employees play an active role in strengthening the quality of life where we live and work by volunteering more than 850,000 hours annually. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:
Medical
Dental
401k
Paid time off
Work/life balance
Career development
Mentorship opportunities
Rewards & recognition
Learn more about Lockheed Martin's comprehensive benefits package here.

What Lockheed Martin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Lockheed Martin logo

About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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