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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Resource Point LLC

Software Test Analyst 5

Lansing, MI · On-site

... flight projects. The resource will work in an agile environment to write and execute use cases ... Experience using Azure DevOps Testing Module. * Experience with Mobile App testing of iOS and ...

Orbion Space Technology

Mechanical Engineer

Houghton, MI · On-site

... tests * Lead efforts with suppliers and manufacturing shops to source flight components, custom tooling, piece-parts, and sub-assemblies * Perform other duties as assigned MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS * Must ...

Orbion Space Technology

Aerospace Engineer

Houghton, MI · On-site

... tests * Lead efforts with suppliers and manufacturing shops to source flight components, custom tooling, piece-parts, and sub-assemblies * Perform other duties as assigned MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS * Must ...

Acron Aviation

FPGA Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$124K - $160K/yr

... critical flight operations across commercial and military aviation. Within Avionics, the ... Experience supporting production and test across geographically distributed teams * Proven ability ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan

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 Jul 14, 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 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.
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,565 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Senior Aero-Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Systems Engineering Integration and Design Optimization

Orb Aerospace

Lowell, MI • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

US Citizen or Permanent Resident 
In-Person 
Fall 2026 Start
 
5+ Years’ Experience Req. Successful Program Experience 
 
Join us in retuning to a 1940’s design cadence, reducing the cycle time for aircraft design, build and fly – Integrating advanced design tools and experimenting with unconventional planforms. We are reindustrializing the Midwest as Michigan’s first airframe prime since the Second World War. We’releveraging our region’s industrial might and airspace to build aircraft that become decentralized infrastructure. Orb is a small mission-driven team where your initiative, creativity, and dedication will be used to reach every village on the planet with power, logistics, and communications.  
 
Your Role at Orb: We’re establishing a low overhead, fast paced, experimental aircraft development environment that allows new design ideas, tools, and processes to be tested and go to market in an entirely new category of aircraft. We’re giving a passionate engineer with a history of designing, optimizing and shepherding aircraft cradle-to-grave an opportunity to test their ideas in the interests of building the best aircraft to have the highest impact on the greatest number of people. You should have a passion for efficient, multifunctional teams and the experience to lead others in the interested of rapid execution on exciting new air platforms.   
 
If you’re ready to take ownership, embrace complexity, and thrive in a role where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you. 
Key Responsibilities
  • Aircraft Design, Configuration, Analysis, and Trade Studies 
  • Engineering First Principals Driven Multi-Disciplinary Systems Engineering from RF to Propulsion and Structures 
  • Spool up Aircraft Design Tools Like CFD,   
  • Incorporate Multi-Disciplinary Optimization and Establish Design Tools / Processes 
  • Incorporate With Every Discipline from Conceptual Design to Flight Test 
Desired Skills and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated Experience in Wholistic Aircraft Design, Aero, Mechanical, and Systems Integration. 
  • Demonstrated Success inBuilding Unconventional Air Platforms 
  • Long Term Commitment to Orbs Mission 
  • Expert in CAD E.G. Siemens NX, Solid Works, Catia or Similar 
  • Expert in Simulation of Loads and Aerodynamic Forces 
  • Experienced in Conceptual Design Tools and Multi-Disciplinary Optimization 
+ Additional Options and Incentives

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.