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Flight Test Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$107.40K - $174.05K/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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA

$107.40K - $174.05K/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 ...

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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$91.50K - $151.90K/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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$107.40K - $174.05K/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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$107.40K - $174.05K/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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท 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 ...

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

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

Role - Senior Flight Test Engineer. Location - Long Beach, CA Duration- Fulltime Domain - Aerospace / Aviation industry Mandatory Skills Flight Test Engineering,Test Planning,Cross-Functional ...

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

San Jose, CA ยท 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 ...

You will participate in the execution of flight tests in various support roles within the Ground Control Station. You will assist in aircraft troubleshooting and other engineering activities on the ...

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 ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

You will participate in the execution of flight tests in various support roles within the Ground Control Station. You will assist in aircraft troubleshooting and other engineering activities on the ...

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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 May 29, 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

Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA โ€ข On-site

$107.40K - $174.05K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.


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 test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.


  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test.ย 
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis.ย 
  • Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
  • Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution.
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests.
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation.
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.ย 
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.ย 
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required.ย 
  • Read and speak English proficiently.
  • At least 30% travel required

  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.ย 
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar.ย 
  • Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test.
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire.ย 
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,049/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more


Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.