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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Systems/Test Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Senior Test Engineer

Eglin, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our team provides superior research, development, and engineering services to the Federal ... Must have Flight test experience 8-10 years with 5+ years in leading teams and test management.

Senior Environmental Test Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee and personally conduct environmental testing to validate models for the purposes of new product qualification, production acceptance, flight test clearance, engineering evaluations, and ...

Senior Environmental Test Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee and personally conduct environmental testing to validate models for the purposes of new product qualification, production acceptance, flight test clearance, engineering evaluations, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 13, 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 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.

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 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 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 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, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,798 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Staff Test Engineer Instrumentation

Northrop Grumman

Melbourne, FL

$152K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription 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 sector is seeking a highly motivated Staff Test Engineer Instrumentation to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test & Evaluation organization. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

As a Staff Test Engineer Instrumentation Engineer you’ll contribute to the design, development, integration, configuration and testing of lab and flight test Data Acquisition Systems.  In this role you will be responsible for the verification and acceptance testing of data builds and real time Mission Control Room configuration and operations.

Key Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Responsible for the development of Flight Test Instrumentation process, procedures and modifications of engineering drawings related to Instrumentation systems for ground and flight test activities. 

  • Define Instrumentation system configurations and signal conditioning requirements common to Airborne Data Acquisition Hardware and Software such as: sensor selection, installation methods, calibration and checkout requirements.

  • Perform a variety of duties, including: engineering design tasks as assigned, participating in electrical design reviews, and procedure writing.

  • Design and Maintain TTC Airborne Data Acquisition Systems, Telemetry ground station equipment to include auto tracking antennas, RF receivers, bit-syncs, de-commutators, demultiplexers, communication system matrix, chapter 10 recorders, and camera systems. 

  • Flight Data processing and data reduction.

  • Instrumentation Data System design, from requirements to operations.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Basic Qualifications

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience

  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Secret clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

  • Must have professional experience with one or more of the following: telemetry, RF, onboard recording systems, ground stations, or sub-systems

  • Must have professional experience with specialized Instrumentation test equipment/sensors. (e.g. Strain Gages, Accelerometers, Pressure Transducers)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to create detailed design specifications, product manuals, ICDs, and/or design handbooks.

  • Design and operational experience with TTC data systems.

  • Experience working in Flight Test or Lab Test environments

  • Familiarity with fundamental principles of Symvionics IADS software or working in a Mission Control Room

  • Basic knowledge of data bus architecture MIL-STD-1553, IEE-1394, ARINC-429, RS232 an RS422.

  • Experience post-test processing data from an IRIG-106 CH10 recording

#AS-FA3

Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00 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. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. 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