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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of ...

$160 - $190/hr

We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer in support of PMA-231/E-2D program for Naval Test Wing Atlantic. This individual will directly support the E-2D DSSC Global Lightening Integration team ...

Engineer the Future of Flight from Anywhere! Location: Hagerstown, MD Payrate: $54.19/HR Shift: 1st; Monday-Friday PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Test Engineer III to join our team ...

Sr Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$113.43 - $155.96/hr

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will lead the most complex and critical testing projects within the ... Hands‑On Testing - execute developmental, qualification, and flight test activities for mission ...

Test Engineer III Location: Hagerstown, MD Zip Code: 21742 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $54.19/hr ... Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with ...

Test Engineer III Location: Hagerstown, MD Zip Code: 21742 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $54.19/hr ... Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with ...

Test Engineer III Location: Hagerstown, MD Zip Code: 21742 Duration: 12 Months Pay Rate: $54.19/hr ... Develop and maintain flight test plans, test procedures, and test reports in accordance with ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Test Engineer information

See Maryland salary details

$42.2K

$130.9K

$198K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Maryland is $130,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $155,300.00 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 Maryland?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,911 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer

CACI International, Inc.

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$79K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Secret
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Local
* * *
Rotorcraft & Flight Test Engineer
The Opportunity:
• Join a dynamic engineering team focused on cutting-edge rotorcraft and drone technology development
• Work hands-on across the full engineering lifecycle - from hardware fabrication and drone building to advanced computational data analysis
• Contribute to aircraft development projects that bridge predictive modeling with real-world experimental testing
• Gain exposure to wind tunnel testing, flight simulation, and rotorcraft aerodynamics in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment
Responsibilities:
• Fabricate, install, and wire hardware components for aircraft and drone systems
• Perform data analysis and reduction using computational tools such as LabVIEW
• Conduct Matlab-based simulations to model rotorcraft behavior and performance
• Use Flightlab to analyze and model various rotorcraft configurations
• Match predictive/simulated data with experimental results to validate models
• Support aircraft development efforts, including building and testing phases
• Provide support for wind tunnel testing, including model fabrication and instrument installation
• Apply design principles using Matlab and Solidworks for hardware and system development
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams
• Document testing procedures, results, and analysis findings
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues during testing and development
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar Engineering field
• Hands-on fabrication experience
• Experience installing and wiring hardware/electrical systems
• Proficiency in Matlab for simulation and design work
• Experience with Solidworks for design applications
• Background knowledge of rotorcraft modeling, aerodynamics, and basic control theory
• Experience analyzing and reducing data, including data from drone flights
• Familiarity with computational tools such as LabVIEW
Desired:
• Experience with Flightlab for rotorcraft analysis and modeling
• Prior experience in aircraft development (building and testing)
• Background or coursework in rotorcraft-specific engineering applications
• Experience supporting wind tunnel testing and instrument installation
• Robotics-focused project experience combining hardware and analytical skills

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$79,400 - $162,700
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.