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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As Flight Test Engineer at MORSE, you are a critical member of the team taking vehicles from concept to flight leading fast-paced, iterative, and rigorous test campaigns managing both local and ...

Assist in the preparation of Development, Company, and FAA Certification Ground and Flight test plans Contribute to the preparation of test cards Interface with engineers, maintainers, technicians ...

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Overview Flight Test Engineer JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret Astrion is seeking an intermediate level Flight Test Engineer to support Missile ...

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

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Flight Test Engineer Intern information

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for flight test engineer intern in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 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 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 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.

More about Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Engineer Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Internship, 48% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

$123K - $187.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

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 flight test programs that push the boundaries of autonomous flight systems, working with engineers, pilots, and technicians to validate performance in real-world operations. This role offers the chance to tackle cutting-edge challenges in vertical flight and autonomy while directly impacting how critical supplies reach communities worldwide.
Responsibilities
  • Test Planning: Develop detailed ground and flight test plans, procedures, and test cards for autonomous VTOL aircraft. Define test objectives, parameters, and instrumentation needs while collaborating with engineers to align plans with certification requirements and manage risk assessments.
  • Flight Testing: Conduct flight tests for autonomous systems including navigation, control, cargo handling, and mission autonomy systems. Operate data acquisition systems during flight tests to collect real-time performance data and evaluate system reliability across flight conditions and VTOL/forward flight profiles.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze and interpret flight test data to evaluate system performance and identify deviations from expected results. Generate timely, comprehensive reports with data summaries, analysis results, and conclusions. Provide actionable recommendations for aircraft design and performance improvements.
  • System Integration and Validation: Participate in system integration testing and validation activities for aircraft subsystems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and verify system performance against specifications.
  • Instrumentation and Modeling: Configure, calibrate, and maintain flight test instrumentation systems. Utilize modeling and simulation to predict aircraft performance, comparing simulated predictions with actual flight performance to validate models and improve accuracy.
  • Safety and Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and company policies during flight tests, with particular emphasis on autonomous operations. Maintain compliance with FAA and UAS regulations while participating in safety reviews and risk assessments.
Our Ideal Candidate
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 4+ years of flight test engineering experience with preference for autonomous systems, VTOL aircraft, or UAS operations
  • Deep understanding of flight test methodologies, aircraft systems integration, and autonomous flight control systems
  • Proficiency in instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
  • Working knowledge of FAA Part 107, proposed FAA Part 108, and other UAS regulations and certification requirements.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with excellent technical communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in dynamic flight test environments, including outdoor flight test operations and schedules impacted by weather
Bonus Points For
  • Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in flight testing or a related engineering field, with experience in autonomous systems or VTOL aircraft
  • Experience with DOD aircraft programs, and familiarity with military airworthiness processes
  • Experience developing safety cases and risk assessments for novel autonomous aircraft configurations
  • Hands-on experience with flight dynamics modeling and simulation-based test planning
  • Private Pilot's License or higher
  • Certification Experience with DO-178C, DO-254, or similar
What's in it for you
  • Pioneer the future of logistics: You'll help create aircraft systems that have never existed before, directly enabling critical supply delivery, and transforming middle-mile transportation.
  • Shape an emerging industry: As an early team member, you'll help define the autonomous cargo aircraft category and establish new standards for vertical flight logistics.
  • Accelerate your career: Join a fast-growing team where your contributions directly impact company direction, and grow alongside experienced aerospace professionals in a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
  • Work with exceptional talent: Collaborate with a team of kind, brilliant engineers, pilots, and technicians who are passionate about solving hard problems and building groundbreaking technology.
  • Own meaningful equity: Equity package with real upside potential as we scale autonomous cargo operations nationwide.
  • Comprehensive benefits package: Full medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with company matching, generous parental leave, and flexible PTO policy.
  • Flexible work environment: Hybrid work options when not conducting flight operations, with a collaborative office culture that values work-life integration.
$123,000 - $187,500 a year
We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences-many of our most valuable team members have taken non-traditional paths to aerospace. If you're passionate about autonomous flight and transforming logistics, we want to hear from you.

Ready to help build the future of cargo aviation? Apply today and join a team that's redefining what's possible in autonomous flight.
Please note: This position requires eligibility to access export-controlled technology under U.S. regulations, and any employment offer will be contingent on meeting these requirements.

Elroy Air manages all recruiting activities internally through our People & Places team and does not work with external recruiting agencies unless under written agreement.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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