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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Dassault Aviation

CAPTAIN

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Coordinates with airplane Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Safety Inspectors (SI), and appropriate Business Unit (BU) personnel to understand aircraft status, open discrepancies, corrective actions, and ...

Dassault Falcon Jet Corp

CAPTAIN

Little Rock, AR

$175K - $200K/yr

Coordinates with airplane Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Safety Inspectors (SI), and appropriate Business Unit (BU) personnel to understand aircraft status, open discrepancies, corrective actions, and ...

Army National Guard Units

$30.17 - $37.29/hr

Conducts ground functional tests of all aircraft systems. Services aircraft with oil, de-icing ... May perform duties as a crew member (Flight Mechanic or Flight Engineer) during assigned missions ...

APA Services

Aircraft Inspector

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$61K - $81K/yr

Interpret and check prints, both hard copy and electronic, engineering change orders and ... test procedures, etc. Good verbal and written communication skills to prepare detailed reports.

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Arkansas

Flight Test Engineer information

See Arkansas salary details

$36K

$111.5K

$168.7K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Arkansas is $111,537.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $132,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including experienced Flight Test Engineers working in the aerospace industry, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and extensive experience. High-level engineers with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or defense contractors are more likely to reach this compensation level.

What are some common challenges faced by Flight Test Engineers during the testing process?

Flight Test Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing safety with the need to gather comprehensive data during test flights. They must coordinate closely with pilots, design teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure all test objectives are met while adhering to strict safety protocols. Weather conditions, unexpected aircraft behavior, and last-minute design changes can also impact test schedules. Effective communication, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful test outcomes.

How hard is it to become a flight test engineer?

Becoming a flight test engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, along with experience in aircraft systems and testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of flight operations, and familiarity with testing protocols are essential, and obtaining certifications like the FAA's pilot or test pilot license can be beneficial. The role often involves rigorous training and safety procedures, making it a challenging but achievable career path for qualified engineers.

What is the difference between Flight Test Engineer vs Flight Test Technician?

AspectFlight Test EngineerFlight Test Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace or mechanical engineering; often requires FAA or EASA certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's in aerospace technology or related field; certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentDesigning, planning, analyzing flight tests; collaborating with engineers and pilotsAssisting with test preparations, data collection, and aircraft inspections
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace manufacturing, research, and developmentInvolved in testing and maintenance within aerospace companies and testing facilities

Flight Test Engineers focus on designing and analyzing flight tests, requiring advanced engineering skills and certifications. Flight Test Technicians support these activities through hands-on testing and data collection. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How much do flight test engineers get paid?

Flight test engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and simulation software—along with certifications like FAA DER or EASA equivalent—are often required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with pilots and multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities ensure accurate data collection, safe test operations, and successful validation of aircraft performance and safety standards.

What are Flight Test Engineers?

Flight Test Engineers are specialized professionals who plan, conduct, and analyze tests on aircraft and aerospace systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They collaborate with pilots, design engineers, and technicians to develop test plans, monitor test flights, and interpret data collected during these flights. Their work is crucial in identifying potential issues, validating design changes, and certifying aircraft for operational use. Flight Test Engineers often work for aircraft manufacturers, government agencies, or research organizations.

What Does a Flight Test Engineer Do?

As a flight test engineer, your job is to oversee testing the operations and performance of aircraft in line with FAA regulations and guidelines from the manufacturer. This job frequently involves planning, managing, coordinating, and executing a full spectrum of aircraft testing, including tests on all mechanical and electronic systems. Some details of this job vary based on the kinds of aircraft with which you work. Flight test engineers may work with everything from single-engine civilian aircraft to large, military planes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a flight test engineer often requires meeting the qualifications for a security clearance, studying guides and technical manuals, contacting part manufacturers, and excellent communication skills.

What do flight test engineers do?

Flight test engineers design, plan, and oversee testing of aircraft and aerospace systems to evaluate performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. They analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with pilots, engineers, and manufacturers using specialized tools and instrumentation. Their work often involves testing in controlled environments and requires knowledge of aerodynamics, systems integration, and safety standards.
More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in AR? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Arkansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,537 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

CAPTAIN

Dassault Aviation

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:
Acts as Captain (pilot-in-command or second-in-command) for engineering/production test flights for the Little Rock completion center. Coordinates with airplane Flight Test Engineer (FTE), Safety Inspectors (SI), and appropriate Business Unit (BU) personnel to understand aircraft status, open discrepancies, corrective actions, and expected timeline in preparation for flight. Coordinates with FTE to develop and approve specific flight test procedures and profiles necessary for validating discrepancy corrective actions, certifying new modifications, complying with DA flight test requests, and ensuring overall aircraft completion.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
Acts as pilot-in-command and second-in-command for DFJ production/completion test flights
Leads and coordinates activities of the flight crew for DFJC production test flights.
Flight crew for DFJC customer acceptance, ferry, and delivery flights.
Assist in Certification Documentation per FAR Parts 21, 25, 91, and EASA/DGAC.
Maintain flight test records and navigation charts.
Coordinates with the business units to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
NON-PRINCIPAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):
Coordination of flight test plans with DFJC Flight Test Engineering
Perform additional duties as assigned. Duties may include office administration and safety, quality, training, IT, or navigation chart management responsibilities
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
FAA Multi-engine ATP pilot's license
2000 hours PIC (Pilot-in-Command) flight time in fixed wing aircraft
1000 hours PIC flight time in multi-engine turbine aircraft, or 500 hours flight time in Falcon aircraft, or 400 hours flight time while operating as SIC (Second-in-Command) within Dassault Falcon Jet Flight Operations
Possess FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Possess skills and judgment required to advance to PIC in Falcon Jets within two years
Possess current government issued passport from country of citizenship
Possess at least one of the following PIC type ratings: 2000 EASy (DA-2EASY), 7X (DA7X), 6X (DA6X), or have experience in production, maintenance, functional, or experimental flight test
ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Test Pilot School Graduate
Aerospace Engineering Bachelor's or Master's Degree
Other engineering degrees or experience
Airplane, multi-engine, instrument flight instructor rating
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Approximately 200-300 flight hours per year in Experimental and Standard Category aircraft. Some flights have nominally increased risk due to experimental nature of aircraft and flight operations.
Travel required for aircraft operations and training.
Balance of time dedicated to office duties.
Normal work hours 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday with periodic evening, weekend, and holiday work.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The compensation for this position typically falls between $175,000 and $200,000 annually. This position is not eligible for overtime. This position may be eligible for a sign on bonus or relocation assistance. Note, the final compensation offered to a successful candidate will depend on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of relevant experience, Falcon-specific experience, relevant education/certifications, geographic location, and shift.
Our total compensation package also offers comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical/Prescription, Dental, Vision), HSA and FSA options, 401k Plan with Company Match, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Supplemental Insurance, Group Legal, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts and much more.
We are committed to finding the best, brightest and most dedicated individuals in the aviation industry. Our employees are the key to our success. Soar with us.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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