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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington, DC

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 39823 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 39823 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely ...

Shield AI is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, analyze, and improve ground and flight test operations for a fast-paced next gen aircraft system. You will work closely ...

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role: Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to support our ...

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Flight Test Instrumentation Engineer supports the instrumentation and testing of our hybrid-electric Ultra Short aircraft. This is an incredible hands-on opportunity to support our projects and ...

Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ... Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and ...

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Flight Test Engineer Intern information

See Washington, DC salary details

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight test engineer intern in Washington, DC is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $23.70 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, DC are:

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Canvas

Arnold, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Flight Test Engineer

Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH

This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an application does not guarantee an interview or offer of employment. Opportunities are subject to business needs, contract requirements, funding, and customer approval.

The Flight Test Engineer provides critical systems engineering, test planning, and operational execution support to the 715 TS IDT Flight. Acting as the Lead Developmental Test Organization (LDTO) on behalf of the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), this role is responsible for the safe and effective execution of hypersonic flight test programs. The position spans junior to senior experience levels, requiring progressive responsibility in test design, range coordination, safety documentation, and post-flight data analysis.

The primary functions of this role are categorized below. Personnel at senior levels are expected to perform these duties with high autonomy and lead cross-functional teams.


Test Planning & Design: Draft, review, and finalize detailed flight test plans, Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM), and Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) for hypersonic test assets.
Safety & Compliance: Generate, review, and complete all required safety documentation, including formal hazard analyses, risk assessments, and Go/No-Go checklists prior to test executions
Mission Execution: Act as a key LDTO representative during active flight tests. Coordinate with range control, program offices, and control room personnel to ensure adherence to test profiles and safety parameters.

Data Analysis: Perform post-flight analysis of telemetry and flight data to verify system performance against established requirements and aerodynamic models.

Reporting & Briefings: Author comprehensive technical test reports, engineering memos, and deficiency reports. Present test readiness briefings to senior government and military leadership.

Mentorship (Senior Levels): Provide technical leadership and guidance to junior engineering staff, ensuring the transfer of institutional knowledge regarding range operations and flight test protocols.