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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Redwire Defense Tech

Test Engineer II

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$87K - $127K/yr

SUMMARY The Test Engineer (L2) owns complete testing operations and documentation for defined ... Experience supporting integration builds, flight testing, or hardware/software bring-up.

Edge Autonomy

Test Engineer II

Ann Arbor, MI

$87K - $127K/yr

SUMMARY The Test Engineer (L2) owns complete testing operations and documentation for defined ... Experience supporting integration builds, flight testing, or hardware/software bring-up.

Redwire Defense Tech

Test Engineer II

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$87K - $127K/yr

SUMMARY The Test Engineer (L2) owns complete testing operations and documentation for defined ... Experience supporting integration builds, flight testing, or hardware/software bring-up.

Redwire Defense Tech

Test Engineer II

Ann Arbor, MI

$87K - $127K/yr

SUMMARY The Test Engineer (L2) owns complete testing operations and documentation for defined ... Experience supporting integration builds, flight testing, or hardware/software bring-up.

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$37.9K

$117.6K

$177.8K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Michigan is $117,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,000.00 and $139,500.00 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.

More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
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What cities in Michigan are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in MI? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,565 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - JOB #1126

Enstrom Helicopter

Menominee, MI

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Flight Test EngineerPOSITION SUMMARY

The Flight Test Engineer is a member of the Flight Test Department and is responsible for planning, preparing, executing, analyzing, and documenting aircraft ground and flight-test activities.

The position supports the complete flight-test lifecycle, from initial test-request evaluation and test-plan development through test execution, data analysis, reporting, and closure. The Flight Test Engineer works closely with flight-test pilots, design engineers, certification personnel, maintenance, quality, and other technical groups to ensure testing is conducted safely, efficiently, and with clearly defined objectives, configurations, procedures, and acceptance criteria.

The Flight Test Engineer also supports the continued development of the company’s flight-test organization, including standardized test methods, flight cards, test-readiness processes, configuration-control practices, data-management methods, safety reviews, and technical reporting standards.

Testing may support research and development, product improvement, troubleshooting, production, continued airworthiness, and FAA certification programs.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ROLEPosition Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft ground and flight tests supporting development, certification, troubleshooting, continued airworthiness, and other approved company programs.
  • Develop flight-test plans, flight cards, test procedures, test reports, and flight-test inputs to certification and compliance documentation.
  • Program and operate data acquisition systems.
  • Perform data reduction, analysis, and documentation of test results.
  • Plan and install instrumentation, strain gauges, and associated wiring.
  • Calibrate and maintain test instrumentation and equipment.
  • Coordinate the design and use of test facilities and specialized test equipment.
  • Determine, verify, and document aircraft loading, weight, center of gravity, and test configuration for ground and flight-test activities.
  • Coordinate with pilots and support pre-flight and post-flight briefings.
  • Support test-article conformity, certification test readiness, TIA testing, and other assigned FAA certification activities.
  • Coordinate assigned flight-test activities with FAA personnel, FAA designees, and other regulatory representatives in coordination with Certification Engineering and program leadership.
  • Prepare test reports, test records, data packages, and technical inputs supporting Type Inspection Reports and other certification documentation.
  • Support safety-of-flight reviews, test-readiness reviews, design reviews, and other engineering reviews requiring flight-test input.
  • Support company programs and other technical groups through flight-test activities assigned and prioritized by the Flight Test Department.
  • Perform other flight-test-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONSRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant aerospace engineering experience.
  • Knowledge of aircraft structures, systems, rotorcraft dynamics, aerodynamics, and powerplants.
  • Experience developing test plans, procedures, and technical reports.
  • Experience with instrumentation, strain gauges, data acquisition systems, and wiring.
  • Proficiency with data acquisition software; LabVIEW experience preferred.
  • Understanding of FAA regulations, certification processes, and compliance requirements.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment.
  • Basic CAD experience, including SolidWorks or similar software.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Flight Test Analyst experience.
  • Flight Test Pilot experience.
  • FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) designation.
  • Experience supporting rotorcraft certification programs.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to work in office and flight line environments.
  • Ability to access aircraft, test equipment, and elevated work areas.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to travel occasionally in support of certification, testing, supplier, or customer activities.
  • Ability to work extended hours as required to support flight test schedules and certification milestones.

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