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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...

Conduct flight test planning, execution, and analysis for F-16 aircraft. * Collaborate with a ... Collaborate with engineers and technicians to develop and implement modifications and upgrades to ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/A LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/G LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/A LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/A LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/G LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Overview TEST ENGINEER A/G LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret or ... Flight test or Aircrew flight experience with military fighter/ Bomber aircraft. * Test Conductor ...

Systems/Test Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$110K - $140K/yr

Coordinate with systems engineers, software developers, hardware engineers, flight operations, maintenance personnel, and program leadership to prepare for and execute tests. * Define test objectives ...

Systems/Test Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Coordinate with systems engineers, software developers, hardware engineers, flight operations, maintenance personnel, and program leadership to prepare for and execute tests. * Define test objectives ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Test Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$32.5K

$100.8K

$152.4K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Florida is $100,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,800.00 and $119,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight test engineer?

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 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 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.

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 employer. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with government agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida?

For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in FL?

For Flight Test Engineer jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,798 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Aircraft Ground and Flight Test

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$98.40 - $147.60/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for Principal Engineer Aeronautical - Aircraft Ground and Flight Test to join the team of qualified individuals on our Test and Evaluation team. This role is located onsite in Melbourne, FL.

In this role, the successful candidate will provide support to all flight test activities, to include test planning, real-time data monitoring, post flight data processing, and reporting on test results. Candidate shall display professionalism, leadership, have a strong work ethic, work well with others, and be able to function as member of the Flight Test Team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Assist in development of test plans/test cards
  • Participate in pre- and post-flight briefs/debriefs
  • Monitor flights in a real-time environment, providing support to senior engineers and Test Conductors to ensure testing is performed safely and that all knock-it-off and safety of test parameters remain within allowable limits
  • Plan and conduct test missions as an approved test conductor, which includes test deck preparation, leading engineering briefs/debriefs, coordination with scheduling, maintenance, and telemetry support, and leading the test team through test missions as the link between the test engineers in the control room and the test aircraft and crew
  • Provide support for post flight data processing and analysis as required to support mission objectives
  • Provide support in generating data releases and reports to be provided to the Company and Customer engineering
Basic Qualifications
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 5 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 3 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Secret clearance (DoD must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company
  • Must have experience that includes test planning, execution, flight operations, and/or generating test artifacts (e.g. detailed test plans, test cards, etc.) and reports
  • Must have experience generating technical documents and working with various software/data processing tools such as MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, MATLAB, and other various programming languages
Preferred Qualifications
  • Current, Active Top Secret clearance
  • Experience supporting real-time flight operations, data/telemetry monitoring via a Certified Control Room and/or have a working knowledge of using and/or creating displays with IADS
  • Experience within a ground/air vehicle flight test space
  • Experience with mission system, weapon system, and/or other subsystems
  • Flutter flight testing experience
  • Experience in telemetry room as a test conductor and/or data monitor for flight and ground testing
  • Recent Flight Test Engineer experienceFull understanding of all aspects of testing to include requirements definition, test planning, test conduct and test reporting
  • Experiences in a Gov/contractor Integrated Test Teat (ITT, ITF, CTF, etc)
Primary Level Salary Range

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939