1

Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

AD&D A&E Engineer 2

Duluth, MN · On-site

$78K - $117K/yr

... E) Engineer 2 responsible for conducting research & development activities that include ... flight test assets, as well as via flight test. * Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and ...

Eng Sr Prin II - Mfg

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

Support subsystem/system integration, verification, and acceptance testing for components and flight hardware * Interpret engineering drawings and customer requirements to develop test plans and ...

Program Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services; Flight Testing & Flight Systems. The Company ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field; advanced degree preferred. * Minimum of 10 ...

Tests and evaluates the performance of aircraft released from Maintenance or engineering test flight * Checks passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts, to ensure that weight and balance ...

Structural Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Test Services; Flight Testing & Flight Systems. The Company's offerings span the full life cycle of aerospace & defense and commercial systems, including end-to-end turnkey solutions. Learn more at ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Test Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$42.6K

$132.1K

$199.8K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Minnesota is $132,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $156,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in MN? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Advanced Design System Safety Engineer Staff

Advanced Design System Safety Engineer Staff

Cirrus Aircraft

Duluth, MN

$113K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Cirrus Aircraft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The AD&D System Safety Engineer defines andleads system safety strategy for earlyphase aircraft and system concepts andis responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of designs beingdeveloped by the Advanced Design & Development team. This role will focus on the initial phases ofaircraft developmentideation, hypothesis generation, stakeholder engagement,technology maturation, and conceptual design [BS1] . This role will develop safetydrivenarchitectures, allocates safety and reliability requirements, and establishesreusable safety cases and analysis patterns that can be carried forward intodetailed design and certification programs. This position involves acting as a safety architect and technical leader and collaborating with cross-functionalteams, including aero, airframe, systems, software, and certification engineersas well as flight test, flight operations, and IT, to ensure that noveltechnologies and operating concepts can be matured into certifiable,operationally viable products.This role will work with small, agile teams toexplore new user value propositions, challenge the status quo, and evolve ideasinto developed systems with validated architectures and requirements ready fordetailed design and certification planning.
  • Define AD&D safety engineering strategy, processes, and methods aligned with core Product Development's System Safety and Systems Engineering practices.
  • Conduct system safety analyses to support early development design decisions such as system architectures, availability, integrity, monitoring, and other safety requirements.
  • Conduct and document Functional Decompositions.
  • Conduct and document aircraft and system level safety analyses specifically Aircraft Functional Hazard Assessments, Preliminary Aircraft Safety Assessments, System Functional Hazard Assessments, Preliminary System Safety Assessments, Particular Risk Assessments, Common Cause Assessments, and Particular Risk Assessments.
  • Develop and review system schematics.
  • Develop and validate reliability, maintenance, and safety requirements.
  • Participate in trade studies and design reviews.
  • Perform reliability and safety trade studies for alternative architectures and design concepts.
  • Establish and maintain safety cases, including explicit documentation of assumptions, open issues, and certification risks for transition into development programs.
  • Mentor and coach AD&D and Systems Engineers in safety driven design practices, including early phase use of ARP4754B/4761A and runtime assurance.
  • Perform reliability analysis of electrical and/or mechanical assemblies using RIAC NPRD-2011, NSWC-11, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent.
  • Perform reliability analysis of electrical assemblies using MIL-HDBK-217-F2, RIAC NPRD-2011, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent .
  • Perform Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA ) of electrical and/or mechanical assemblies per MIL-STD-1629A, SAE ARP4761, RIAC FMD-2013, RIAC Reliability Toolkit, and/or equivalent.
  • Support safety of flight determination for first of type flights or first flights of significantly modified aircraft.
  • Identify Failure Modes and Effects Test (FMET) cases and support simulation and flight FMET
  • Review vendors' reliability analysis and FMEA submittals for completeness and accuracy.
  • Perform Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and common cause analyses (CCAs) of electrical and/or mechanical systems per SAE ARP4761.
  • Development of tasks and procedures for flight crew and periodic maintenance requirements necessary for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate closely with and support the work of system and software architects, systems development assurance, systems engineering, electrical and mechanical systems design, flight deck designers, human factors engineers, and flight test.
  • Travel up to 25% may be required.

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or relevant technical discipline., Master's degreee preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience with Systems Safety Analyses – specifically AFHA, PASA, SFHA, PSSA, CCA, and FMEAs
  • Must have a strong understanding of ARP 4761 and ARP 4754A
  • Must be able to conduct quick assessments and provide feedback on designs or architectures with only verbal direction or minimal documentation (whiteboard sketches, preliminary schematics, etc.)
  • Must be able to work effectively in early product development phases, before full requirements or system descriptions are documented.
  • Must be able to work with highly iterative or frequently changing designs
  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak the English language
  • Ability to communicate technical knowledge in a clear and understandable manner
  • Intrinsic motivation to drive progress - to explore, challenge, and innovate – and to minimize administrative overhead
  • Must be innovation minded and willing to try new and different methods or approaches
  • Must be comfortable operating under tight deadlines with minimal direction and in a shop or lab environment.
  • Must be proficient in reading and creating engineering design definition - 3D models, 2D drawings, sketches, schematics, BOMs.
  • Ability to work both independently and across a variety of functional disciplines
  • Ability to efficiently learn new skills and manage multiple tasks
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio)
  • Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Previous aircraft development program experience, from early concepts to entry into service
  • Private pilot certificate or personal aviation experience
  • Familiarity with ARP 4761A and ARP 4754B.
  • Familiarity with advanced software functions (AI, ML, etc.) and Run Time Assurance methods
  • Working understanding of the FAA's Safety Continuum concepts Knowledgeable of or experienced with STPA (Systems Theoretic Process Analysis)
  • Broad technical skillset related to aircraft, with strong understanding of systems engineering and system safety. Previous experience with Model Based Systems Engineering
  • Previous experience with CAFTA Previous experience with JAMA Familiarity with PTC products (e.g. CREO, Windchill) Familiarity with Mathworks products (e.g. Matlab, Simulink)
  • Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
  • Proficient in at least one coding language. Experience with FAA certification processes and standards (e.g. Part 23, Part 27, Advisory Circulars, Industry Consensus Standards)
  • Familiarity with foreign validation activities for EASA, TCCA, ANAC
  • Participation in the development and publishing of Industry Consensus Standards Experience in cross-disciplinary system integration and trade studies
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite Bonus points if your weekends involve flying, plane spotting, or building RC aircraft

Our Benefits: Cirrus provides a range of exciting benefits, including:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options
  • Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: FSA and HSA offerings with company contributions to HSA
  • Well-being: Calm Health, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness incentives through medical provider
  • 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting at 1 year of service
  • PTO: Various PTO plans starting at 100 hours accrued within the first year
  • Additional Time off Benefits: Paid holidays, 2 weeks of Paid Parental leave, paid time for funeral leave and jury duty
  • Career Development: Tuition reimbursement program and professional growth opportunities
  • Exclusive Discounts: Cirrus Store, partner and marketplace discounts available
  • Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations


These benefits are designed to support your well-being, growth, and enjoyment at Cirrus!


Salary Range: USD $113,082.61/Yr. - USD $169,623.91/Yr.

What Cirrus Aircraft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom