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Flight Test Control Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท 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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA ยท 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 ...

... control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to ... As a Flight Test Engineer you will partner with the Ghost engineering to be responsible for test ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Sr. Flight Test Engineer

San Martin, CA ยท On-site

$190K - $260K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Reliable Robotics, you will be a part of the Flight Test and ... The team regularly ensures the proper function of mechanical, electrical, and flight control ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... Conduct/direct ground and flight tests as part of the flight crew in the ground control station

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... Conduct/direct ground and flight tests as part of the flight crew in the ground control station

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $149K/yr

... control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to ... As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Senior Flight Test Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Position Description: DZYNE Technologies is ... Follow specific tool control, FOD control, and safety guidelines and policies * Perform other ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

As a UAS Flight Test Engineer you will plan, execute and report on developmental and operational ... Familiarity with rotary-wing and fixed-wing aerodynamics and flight control systems. * Excellent ...

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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 Jul 12, 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, specialized skills, and certifications in aerospace testing, can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, complex projects, or working for major aerospace or defense companies. Factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise influence salary levels in this field.

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?

Flight Test Control Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive, senior management, or specialized engineering roles in aerospace or defense industries. Top-tier aerospace engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities may reach high six-figure incomes, but salaries of $500,000 are rare for this specific role.

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 for major aerospace companies may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in flight testing procedures and systems.

What does a flight control engineer do?

A flight control engineer designs, tests, and manages the systems that control an aircraft's flight, such as autopilot and stability systems. They analyze flight data, develop control algorithms, and ensure system reliability, often using simulation tools and working closely with aerospace teams during aircraft development and testing.
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 Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA โ€ข On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

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.

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 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.

Responsibilities
  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysisย 
  • 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
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 disciplinesย 
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • At least 30% travel required
Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similarย 
  • 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
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
Additional Information

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,000/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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME