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Flight Test Control Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 - $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 ...

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 Test & Evaluation Department provides expertise in Flight Test Engineering, Instrumentation ... To meet export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is ...

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.

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Flight Test Control Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test control 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 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.
More about Flight Test Control Engineer jobs
What states have the most Flight Test Control Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Control Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Control Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Control Engineer jobs are:
Flight Test Control Engineer (level 3)

Flight Test Control Engineer (level 3)

Lockheed Martin

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Description
We are Lockheed Martin
Second Shift Flight Test Control Engineer for Navy & Marine F-35 test aircraft at Patuxent River NAS, Maryland. The successful applicant will provide Flight Test Ground and Operations engineering support. Tasks will include coordination and implementation of pre-flight and post-flight activities to ensure aircraft's test readiness including issuance and closure of documentation relating to work performed on the aircraft as well as coordination of aircraft modifications. Position is responsible for control and tracking of aircraft configuration, coordinating and staging of support equipment, and coordinating with other organizations associated with test readiness. This position will act as the principal focal point between maintenance and engineering personnel. The ability to interface with all levels of project management is desired.
**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.
Basic Qualifications
- Prior Flight Test and aircraft ground test experience
- Experience working with Aircraft Systems and/or Maintenance/Modification Procedures
- Control and tracking of aircraft configuration experience
- Must be willing to work second shift
Desired skills
-Experience working with ALIS (Autonomic Logistics Information System)
-Ability to coordinate with other organizations
-Demonstrated Verbal and Written Communication Skills
-Bachelor's degree a plus
-Must be willing to work different shifts and weekends
- Familiarity and experience working with LM applications and JSF electronic tools: JEDI, VAS, PDM, JDL
-Self starter and logical problem solver
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
At Lockheed Martin, we use our passion for purposeful innovation to help keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work.
With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel, develop, and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. We place an emphasis on empowering our employees by fostering an inclusive environment built upon integrity and corporate responsibility.
If this sounds like a culture you connect with, you're invited to apply for this role. Or, if you are unsure whether your experience aligns with the requirements of this position, we encourage you to search on Lockheed Martin Jobs, and apply for roles that align with your qualifications.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $85,500 - $150,765. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $98,300 - $170,315. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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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