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Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Test Engineer

Mobile, AL

Primary Responsibilities Perform Flight Test Engineer duties for Production Aircraft (A220 & A320): 70% * Perform all ground tests and flight tests required to obtain Certificate of Airworthiness ...

Antramo, Inc

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 research and development company focused on building the next generation of airships that are safer ...

Airbus

Flight Test Engineer

Mobile, AL

Primary Responsibilities Perform Flight Test Engineer duties for Production Aircraft (A220 & A320): 70% Perform all ground tests and flight tests required to obtain Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA ...

Airbus

Flight Test Engineer

Mobile, AL

Primary Responsibilities Perform Flight Test Engineer duties for Production Aircraft (A220 & A320): 70% * Perform all ground tests and flight tests required to obtain Certificate of Airworthiness ...

DCS Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$60.47K - $90.42K/yr

Can you see yourself performing and succeeding as a Flight Test Engineer in a dynamic team environment? DCS has exciting opportunities for entry-level aerospace engineers to work in a dynamic Air ...

DCS Corporation

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$60.47K - $90.42K/yr

Can you see yourself performing and succeeding as a Flight Test Engineer in a dynamic team environment? DCS has exciting opportunities for entry-level aerospace engineers to work in a dynamic Air ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · 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 ...

DCS Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Lexington Park, MD · On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

Salary Range: $82,004 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

DCS CORPORATION

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$60.47K - $90.42K/yr

Can you see yourself performing and succeeding as a Flight Test Engineer in a dynamic team environment? DCS has exciting opportunities for entry-level aerospace engineers to work in a dynamic Air ...

DCS Corporation

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

Salary Range: $82,004 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · 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 ...

DCS CORPORATION

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

$82K - $120K/yr

Salary Range: $82,004 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · 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 ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA

$123K - $187.50K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft reshaping middle-mile logistics. You'll architect and execute ...

Elroy Air

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, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft reshaping middle-mile logistics. You'll architect and execute ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · 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 ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft reshaping middle-mile logistics. You'll architect and execute ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

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$134.9K

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How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test 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 Does a Flight Test Engineer Do?

As a flight test engineer, your job is to oversee testing the operations and performance of aircraft in line with FAA regulations and guidelines from the manufacturer. This job frequently involves planning, managing, coordinating, and executing a full spectrum of aircraft testing, including tests on all mechanical and electronic systems. Some details of this job vary based on the kinds of aircraft with which you work. Flight test engineers may work with everything from single-engine civilian aircraft to large, military planes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a flight test engineer often requires meeting the qualifications for a security clearance, studying guides and technical manuals, contacting part manufacturers, and excellent communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Flight Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and simulation software—along with certifications like FAA DER or EASA equivalent—are often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with pilots and multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities ensure accurate data collection, safe test operations, and successful validation of aircraft performance and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Test Engineers during the testing process?

Flight Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing safety with the need to gather comprehensive data during test flights. They must coordinate closely with pilots, design teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure all test objectives are met while adhering to strict safety protocols. Weather conditions, unexpected aircraft behavior, and last-minute design changes can also impact test schedules. Effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful test outcomes.

What are Flight Test Engineers?

Flight Test Engineers are specialized professionals who plan, conduct, and analyze tests on aircraft and aerospace systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They collaborate with pilots, design engineers, and technicians to develop test plans, monitor test flights, and interpret data collected during these flights. Their work is crucial in identifying potential issues, validating design changes, and certifying aircraft for operational use. Flight Test Engineers often work for aircraft manufacturers, government agencies, or research organizations.

What do flight test engineers do?

Flight test engineers design, plan, and oversee testing of aircraft and aerospace systems to evaluate performance, safety, and compliance with specifications. They analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with pilots, engineers, and manufacturers using specialized tools and instrumentation. Their role ensures aircraft meet regulatory standards before commercial or military deployment.

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

AspectFlight Test EngineerFlight Test Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering; often requires FAA or EASA certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's in aerospace technology or related field; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDesigning, planning, analyzing flight tests; collaborating with engineers and pilotsAssisting with test preparations, data collection, and aircraft inspections
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, research, and developmentInvolved in testing and maintenance within aerospace companies and testing facilities

Flight Test Engineers focus on designing and analyzing flight tests, requiring advanced engineering skills and certifications. Flight Test Technicians support these activities through hands-on testing and data collection. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Futran Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position: Flight Test Engineer
Location: Long Beach, CA
Contract Type: Fulltime
Job Description:
  • We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests for the upcoming full-scale demonstrator program.
  • This role is hands-on and execution-focused, working closely with flight test pilots, systems engineers, maintenance teams, and operations personnel to safely generate high-quality flight test data.
  • This position is ideal for an engineer with early-to-mid career flight test experience who is looking to grow into greater technical ownership and leadership within a fast-paced experimental flight test program.

Key Responsibilities:
Flight Test Planning & Preparation:
  • Support planning and execution of ground and flight test activities for experimental aircraft and test rigs.
  • Develop and maintain flight test plans, test cards, and procedures under guidance from senior flight test engineers.
  • Assist with instrumentation planning, sensor integration, and flight test system configuration.
  • Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams to ensure test readiness and configuration control.

Flight Test Execution:
  • Participate in flight briefings, debriefings, and flight readiness reviews.
  • Support real-time test execution, including monitoring from the telemetry room and onboard test support when required.
  • Ensure flight test activities follow internal safety processes and operational procedures.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Perform post-flight data processing and analysis, identifying anomalies, and supporting root-cause investigations.
  • Document results through test reports, summaries, and structured data packages.
  • Contribute improvements to flight test tools, procedures, and workflows.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams to support efficient test operations.
  • Represent flight test engineering in program reviews and cross-functional technical discussions.

Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in flight testing, systems testing, or experimental test environments.
  • Familiarity with flight test planning and execution processes.
  • Experience with data processing and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
  • Basic understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and flight test instrumentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Willingness to travel and support on-site or remote test operations as required.

Apply