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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Medium

Lead Firmware Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

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

New

AVIA

Lead Firmware Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

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

New

Medium

Lead Electrical & RF Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

... critical flight operations across commercial and military aviation. Within Avionics, the ... Support certification readiness by ensuring RF-related design evidence, test coverage, and ...

New

Ascent Aerospace

Controls Software Engineer

Macomb, MI · On-site

$43.25 - $55.25/hr

Ascent Aerospace - Inspiring the next generation of flight! Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned ... Design, write, test, implement, and document PLC and HMI software. * Support installation ...

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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.

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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:
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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.

Aerospace Engineer

Orbion Space Technology Inc

Houghton, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Aerospace Engineer will join Orbion’s world class team to lead and execute projects dedicated toward R&D, testing, and mass production of spacecraft electric propulsion systems.

RESPONSIBILITES

  • Perform design engineering and team leadership efforts by leveraging established plans, schedules, budgets, designs, and procedures
  • Formulate and implement electric propulsion system development activities, including laboratory testing, data analysis, and engineering documentation
  • Execute system requirement verification efforts and test campaigns, including but not limited to, receiving inspections, acceptance tests, and qualification 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 meet definition of US Person
  • Bachelor’s degree in an Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or directly related degree
  • 2-5 years’ experience in a design engineering and production environment
  • A solid understanding of applicable engineering principles, business practices, and experience working directly with hardware
  • Ability to collaborate in a team setting as well as be an active individual contributor
  • Great communication skills, technical depth, breadth, and passion will enable you to work effectively with cross functional (electrical, mechanical, software, system, test) product development teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A solid understanding of applicable engineering principles, business practices, and experience working directly with hardware in the aerospace industry
  • Experience with production drawings, configuration management, and GD&T
  • Experience with modeling tools, including creating solid models, as well as executing and interpreting structural, thermal, fluid, and magnetic field models

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Prolonged periods of standing on concrete surfaces and at times, sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Must be able to lift/carry up to 40 pound loads from floor level to chest level
  • Manual dexterity to evaluate, install, and modify equipment
  • Fine motor skills required for minute adjustments

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state or local law.

Requirements: