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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER (INTEGRATION & TEST) The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates ... Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations * Apply optics and ...

We are looking for an entry level Satellite Test Engineer to help develop and execute testing to qualify new satellite designs for flight This is a fast-paced, intellectually challenging opportunity ...

We are looking for an entry level Satellite Test Engineer to help develop and execute testing to qualify new satellite designs for flight This is a fast-paced, intellectually challenging opportunity ...

Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER (INTEGRATION & TEST) The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates ... Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations * Apply optics and ...

Test and Evaluation Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is seeking a ... Identify program risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize impact on flight test ...

Test and Evaluation Engineering Manager Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company is seeking a ... Identify program risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize impact on flight test ...

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Develop, test, and deploy mission-critical flight software in C/C++. * Implement guidance ... Collaborate with hardware engineers to define system architecture and interfaces. Requirements * B.

Engineer - Electrical Test Engineer II

Kent, WA · On-site

$78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Engineer - Electrical Test Engineer II Location: Kent, WA / On-Site Type: Contract Pay Rate: $78 ... Support both ground and flight-testing campaigns, ensuring all test activities meet program quality ...

Satellite Test Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for an entry level Satellite Test Engineer to help develop and execute testing to qualify new satellite designs for flight. This is a fast-paced, intellectually challenging opportunity ...

Engineer - Electrical Test Engineer II

Kent, WA · On-site

$78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Engineer - Electrical Test Engineer II Location: Kent, WA / On-Site Type: Contract Pay Rate: $78 ... Support both ground and flight-testing campaigns, ensuring all test activities meet program quality ...

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, develop, and test flight software in Rust for attitude and pointing state machines, command ... Mentor engineers on the team and review designs and code to raise overall software quality * Help ...

Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and ... Design and implement test and ground support equipment to include flight hardware interfacing ...

Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and ... Design and implement test and ground support equipment to include flight hardware interfacing ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Test Engineer Intern information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$21

$33

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight test engineer intern in Seattle, WA is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $23.80 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 the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Seattle, WA? For Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,719 per year, or $22 per hour.

Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER (INTEGRATION & TEST)
The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates the systems used to validate the space lasers system as well as other optical payloads (imagers and transceivers) that are critical to Starlink satellite operations. As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems
  • Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
  • Automate optical test equipment and data collection
  • Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
  • Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing
  • Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data
  • Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests
  • Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
  • Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
  • Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
  • Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
  • Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
  • Strong sense of accountability and integrity
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted
  • Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US