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Flight Test Engineer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Location: Eastern New Mexico Employment Type: Full-Time LHH is partnering with an innovative aerospace organization developing advanced high-altitude flight systems to hire a ...

Flight Test Engineer Location: Eastern New Mexico Employment Type: Full-Time LHH is partnering with an innovative aerospace organization developing advanced high-altitude flight systems to hire a ...

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 ...

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 ...

This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Altius UAS platform. Altius is a Group 2/3 ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

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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 Jun 21, 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 45% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

$85K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

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 efforts for our revolutionary large rigid airship flying from Moffett Field in Sunnyvale, CA. 

We're looking for an engineer who is excited to execute flight test 'firsts' and to lay the foundation for enabling safe, efficient flight testing. The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship limitations, lead ground & flight tests, perform data analysis, write test reports, and document test results. This position will also contribute to the development and review of the Airship Flight Manual (AFM) and other operational documents by collaborating with multiple teams to provide pertinent information.

Responsibilities
  • Produce test documentation such as test plans, hazard analyses and test cards.
  • Assist with the preparation of operational documentation.
  • Participate in test readiness and safety reviews.
  • Collaborate with engineers, test pilots, and operations team to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently.
  • Lead test briefings/debriefings, and coordinate with all support groups.
  • Direct flight test operations either onboard an airship or from the telemetry room.
  • Perform post-flight data analysis as required.
  • Prepare flight test reports and communicate non-conformance items and 'squawks'.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
  • Travel - Occasional.  
Qualifications
  • 1-3+ years of experimental flight test experience.
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in an applicable engineering field.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an FAA Class 3 medical certificate (or better).
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems and operations.
  • Proficiency in test planning, and drafting THAs and aircraft operating procedures.
  • Ability to learn and to lead the development and execution of complex flight tests.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail.
  • Understanding of flight test instrumentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate of a recognized test pilot school.
  • Private Pilot or higher rating.
  • Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
  • Aptitude with Python coding.
  • Experience with first flight efforts of experimental aircraft.
  • Experience testing Fly-By-Wire, flight control, electrical, and/or propulsion systems.
  • Understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft performance.
  • Understanding of human factors and cockpit design.
  • Experience in FAA certification test programs and knowledge of FARs.
What We Offer!
  • Relocation assistance
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan (100% premium paid for individuals, ~70% for dependents)
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurances
  • Parental leave
  • Generous PTO + 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) matching up to 6%
  • Lunch and snacks provided every day, including accommodations for all dietary restrictions
  • Monthly wellness stipend
  • Monthly cell phone stipend
  • Yearly education stipend to obtain certifications or take classes in your field
  • Fun events, swag, and the occasional airship ride
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and the most talented experts from different fields
Compliance Requirements
  • Criminal background check clearance
  • Drug test clearance wherever applicable
  • Applicant must be able to obtain a NASA Moffett Federal Airfield AOA Badge
$85,000 - $140,000 a year
 
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LTA Research & Exploration welcomes all candidates to apply including those with limited experience. We understand that candidates with a growth mindset and passion for working on the next chapter in aviation advancement can outweigh experience alone. We celebrate diverse origins and journeys and understand their importance in developing new technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team that represents those we wish to serve.

Lighter Than Air is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other discriminatory factors prohibited by law.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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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