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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a UAS Flight Test Engineer you will plan, execute and report on developmental and operational flight Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities. You will work alongside a team of engineers and test ...

Flight Test Engineers at the 418th ensure safe, effective, and efficient test Leads flight test execution as onboard flying Test Conductor while monitoring safety of flight and data parameters real ...

Flight Test Engineers at the 418th ensure safe, effective, and efficient test * Leads flight test execution as onboard flying Test Conductor while monitoring safety of flight and data parameters real ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Senior Flight Test Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Position Description: DZYNE Technologies is building a highly skilled team that thrives in the design, development, test and manufacturing of ...

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of ...

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$120K - $181K/yr

A Scaled Composites Senior Flight Test Engineer (FTE) will act as a project test lead. The FTE will work with the project technical leadership and test pilots to design and generate test plans. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Flight Test Engineer Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of aerospace engineering fundamentals, data analysis, and avionics, typically supported by progress toward a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with aircraft instrumentation, MATLAB, LabVIEW, and data acquisition systems is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish successful interns in this field. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate test results, maintaining safety standards, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams during complex flight test operations.

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

AspectFlight Test Engineer InternFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of aerospace or related engineering programBachelor's or master's degree in aerospace engineering or related field, with relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often supervised, in aerospace testing facilities or on test flightsFull-time professional role, involved in planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by aerospace companies, government agencies, or defense contractorsFull-time positions in aerospace, defense, or aviation industries

The main difference between a Flight Test Engineer Intern and a Flight Test Engineer is experience level and responsibility. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining hands-on experience, while engineers are full-time professionals responsible for planning and executing flight tests. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward a career as a Flight Test Engineer.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can I expect as a flight test engineer intern?

As a Flight Test Engineer Intern, you’ll typically work on a mix of pre-flight preparations, data collection during test flights, and post-flight analysis. You may assist with instrumentation setup, monitor real-time data, and help troubleshoot technical issues alongside experienced engineers and pilots. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including aerodynamics, avionics, and safety specialists, giving you an excellent opportunity to understand the broader context of flight testing. These experiences are invaluable for building foundational skills, gaining insight into industry-standard procedures, and networking for future career opportunities.

What does a flight test engineer intern do?

A Flight Test Engineer Intern assists in planning, executing, and analyzing flight tests for aircraft or aerospace systems. Their responsibilities often include preparing test plans, monitoring test flights, collecting data, and supporting senior engineers in evaluating aircraft performance and safety. Interns gain hands-on experience with test procedures, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance, contributing to the development and certification of new aviation products.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in California? For Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Flight Test Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Maneuver Dominance team at Anduril develops operationally relevant, multi-asset autonomy. We are focused on building the next generation of autonomous capabilities by leveraging existing Anduril platforms like Ghost or Altius, bringing 3rd party platforms into Anduril's Lattice ecosystem, and developing breakthrough systems that will shape the future of the battlefield. If you are interested in working in an extremely innovative and fast paced environment, where your work directly makes an impact and difference in the products that are fielded this a fantastic opportunity.
As a UAS Flight Test Engineer you will plan, execute and report on developmental and operational flight Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities. You will work alongside a team of engineers and test specialists assisting in the wider management and coordination of test and evaluation within the US, UK and Europe under both civil and military approval schemes.

What You'll Do
  • Conduct rigorous testing and evaluation of Group 3 UAS to ensure performance and reliability.
  • Deploy to remote test sites within the US, with opportunity to support trials in overseas locations.
  • Participate in weekly stand-ups and provide progress reports to program and T&E leadership.
  • Develop and execute focused test plans for internal and customer trials.
  • Develop and implement baseline safety plans to mitigate risks during testing.
  • Communicate effectively within the team and across the organization.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
  • 2-5+ years of experience in UAS integration, testing, and project management.
  • Ability and willingness to travel >75% time to remote locations in the US and overseas.
  • Understanding of the National Airspace System and UAS regulations.
  • Practical experience with large UAS testing and development.
  • Strong grasp of engineering principles and technical concepts.
  • Ability to organize, coordinate work effectively, and document thoroughly.
  • Familiarity with rotary-wing and fixed-wing aerodynamics and flight control systems.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently and in teams.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.
  • FAA Part 107 certificate holder.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in engineering, robotics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with complex and autonomous UAS.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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