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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform ... Test Systems design experience and collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines, such as ...

Quality & Manufacturing Intern (Fall 2026)

Austin, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

South San Francisco, California, USA Assistant Site Lead, Flight Test Operations Location: Half ... South San Francisco, California, USA Battery Modeling Engineer Location: South San Francisco ...

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

You will also work alongside the team's AI agents, which carry a real share of the engineering load ... Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You ...

You will also work alongside the team's AI agents, which carry a real share of the engineering load ... Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You ...

You will also work alongside the team's AI agents, which carry a real share of the engineering load ... Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You ...

You will use all-digital and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments to test our Flight and ... Software Engineers on the test team will also be responsible for developing and executing formal ...

Acutronic is looking for a Test Engineer III who will perform a wide range of tasks including ... Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and engagement ...

Acutronic is looking for a Test Engineer III who will perform a wide range of tasks including ... Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and engagement ...

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Flight Test Engineer Intern information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do flight test engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight test engineer intern in Austin, TX is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX? For Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings:

Flight Test Engineer - Fixed-Wing UAS

Approach Venture LLC

Austin, TX • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Senior Flight Test Engineer - Help Validate the Next Generation of Autonomous Aircraft
Austin, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a growing aerospace company developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial applications. The engineering organization designs, builds, integrates, and flight tests complete aircraft platforms, allowing engineers to move rapidly from prototype development to real-world flight operations. Working in a highly collaborative environment, you'll help ensure new aircraft and mission capabilities are validated safely, efficiently, and with high-quality engineering data. As a Flight Test Engineer, you will own the planning, execution, and analysis of ground and flight test activities supporting fixed-wing unmanned aircraft. This role bridges design engineering and flight operations, working closely with software, avionics, systems, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to verify aircraft performance, identify issues, and accelerate product development. The ideal candidate enjoys spending time both in the field and in the lab, solving technical problems and turning test results into actionable engineering improvements.
About Us
We are an engineering-driven aerospace company developing next-generation autonomous aircraft for demanding operational environments. Our team believes rapid iteration, disciplined testing, and close collaboration across engineering disciplines are essential to building reliable aircraft that perform in the real world. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership, work hands-on, and contribute throughout the full development lifecycle.
Job Duties
  • Develop flight test plans, test procedures, test cards, and success criteria for aircraft development and verification activities.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute ground tests, taxi tests, and flight test campaigns for fixed-wing unmanned aircraft.
  • Support aircraft assembly, integration, configuration management, and pre-flight readiness activities.
  • Collaborate with flight software, avionics, systems, and mechanical engineering teams to verify new hardware and software releases.
  • Monitor aircraft performance during flight testing while ensuring safe and disciplined test execution.
  • Collect, organize, and analyze flight test data using engineering tools to evaluate aircraft performance, stability, system behavior, and reliability.
  • Investigate test anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and work with engineering teams to implement corrective actions.
  • Prepare flight test reports, technical documentation, and presentations summarizing results, recommendations, and next steps.
  • Support hardware and software validation through laboratory testing, hardware-in-the-loop, and system integration activities.
  • Participate in flight readiness reviews, risk assessments, and post-flight debriefs.
  • Help improve internal flight test processes, documentation standards, and test automation capabilities.
  • Travel to flight test locations as required to support development and customer demonstrations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience supporting flight test, systems integration, aircraft development, or UAS engineering.
  • Hands-on experience with fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems.
  • Experience developing flight test plans, test procedures, and flight test documentation.
  • Understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, flight controls, avionics, and system integration.
  • Experience collecting and analyzing flight test or engineering data using MATLAB, Python, Excel, or similar analysis tools.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex hardware, software, and systems integration issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
  • Comfortable working in laboratory, manufacturing, and outdoor flight test environments.
  • Ability to travel in support of aircraft testing and customer demonstrations.
  • Must be eligible to work on projects subject to U.S. export control regulations.

Preferred Experience
  • Experience testing fixed-wing autonomous aircraft or tactical UAS platforms.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight control systems.
  • Familiarity with telemetry systems, mission planning software, and ground control stations.
  • Experience supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), software-in-the-loop (SITL), or simulation environments.
  • Knowledge of flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and telemetry analysis.
  • Experience supporting envelope expansion, performance evaluation, or aircraft certification activities.
  • Familiarity with flight readiness reviews, operational risk management, and structured flight test methodologies.
  • Experience with Linux, Git, and basic scripting using Python.
  • Previous experience working in a fast-paced aerospace startup or advanced aircraft development environment.

Why Join Us
  • Play a key role in validating aircraft that move quickly from engineering development into real-world flight operations.
  • Work alongside multidisciplinary teams spanning flight software, avionics, systems, manufacturing, and flight operations.
  • Gain hands-on experience across the full aircraft development lifecycle, from prototype integration through production readiness.
  • Take ownership of meaningful technical work with direct visibility into aircraft performance and product evolution.
  • Join an engineering-first organization where rapid iteration, technical excellence, and collaboration drive innovation.

Compensation Details
$150,000 - $190,000
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