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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Rather than serving as a full-time pilot, this engineer will lead and oversee flight test activities while working closely with engineers, technicians, and test pilots throughout the product ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Nevada salary details

$44.3K

$137.4K

$207.7K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Nevada is $137,354.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,400.00 and $162,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Nevada?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Nevada as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,354 per year, or $66 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Nellis Air Force Base, NV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the technical planning, integration, and execution of complex flight test events and operational demonstrations.

  • Coordinate technical activities across government, industry, subcontractor, and mission partner organizations to integrate systems and resolve engineering challenges.

  • Analyze flight test data and operational results to identify system performance, capability gaps, deficiencies, and recommendations for future testing and capability development.


Job description

MTSI is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) responsible for leading and executing complex flight test programs at Nellis AFB, NV. This position involves strategic planning, coordination, and management of flight test activities, ensuring the successful testing and evaluation of advanced aerospace systems. The engineer will provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

This position requires exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, build strong customer relationships, and effectively coordinate across government, military, contractor, and industry organizations in a dynamic operational environment. In addition, prospective candidates should have excellent public speaking and presentation skills, as well as over eight years of experience serving as a Flight Test Engineer. Position requires flexibility to work occasional non-standard work hours and work weeks of more than 40 hours to meet business, customer, and contractual requirements.

Additionally, position requires flexibility as duties and responsibilities may be adjusted to meet business, customer, and contractual requirements. Essential Job Responsibilities: Lead the technical planning, integration, and execution of complex flight test events and operational demonstrations supporting customer objectives. Develop technical approaches, test strategies, and engineering solutions to evaluate emerging capabilities, mission systems, and operational concepts.

Identify technical requirements, assess risks, and coordinate engineering resources to ensure successful execution of flight test objectives. Serve as the technical lead for assigned flight test efforts, ensuring engineering products, test plans, and deliverables meet customer requirements and technical standards. Provide technical oversight throughout test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting while ensuring compliance with applicable safety, airworthiness, and range requirements.

Coordinate technical activities across government, industry, subcontractor, and mission partner organizations to integrate systems and resolve engineering challenges. Plan and safely execute flight test and operational events supporting air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and surface-to-surface mission sets. Collaborate with government users, industry partners, and operational stakeholders to define test objectives, refine technical requirements, and develop executable Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).

Support major exercise and test planning conferences by developing technical support plans, identifying flight test requirements, and synchronizing engineering activities. Analyze flight test data and operational results to identify system performance, capability gaps, deficiencies, and recommendations for future testing and capability development. Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, and executive briefings summarizing test results, operational impacts, risks, and recommended courses of action.

Engage with industry partners to evaluate emerging technologies, conduct technical exchanges, and integrate vendor capabilities into flight test activities. Coordinate vendor technical support to ensure system readiness, configuration control, security compliance, and mission execution requirements are met. Maintain effective technical relationships with government customers, industry partners, and operational users to accelerate capability evaluation and transition.

Develop and maintain technically focused execution plans, integrated test schedules, and engineering milestones to support successful flight test execution. Mentor junior engineers and technical team members by providing guidance on flight test planning, systems integration, engineering analysis, and test execution best practices. Apply advanced engineering principles and sound technical judgment to resolve complex flight test, integration, and system performance challenges with minimal oversight.

Required Skills: 8+ years of experience working within, or for, US DoD or partner agencies. Advanced knowledge of flight test engineering principles, systems integration, and test methodologies, with the ability to solve highly complex technical and operational challenges. Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and executing developmental, operational, and/or combined flight test events for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and/or UAS/RPA platforms.

Experience evaluating aircraft systems, mission systems, avionics, external stores, sensors, communications systems, weapons integration, and/or flight sciences. Experience supporting all phases of the flight test lifecycle, including requirements development, design reviews, test planning, test card development, mission execution, data analysis, and post-flight reporting. Experience directing or supporting Mission Control Room (MCR) operations, monitoring real-time test execution, system performance, and mission objectives.

Proven ability to integrate multidisciplinary engineering teams, government stakeholders, and industry partners to execute technically complex flight test activities. Experience coordinating and executing flight test events on Department of Defense open-air test ranges while ensuring compliance with applicable range, safety, security, and airworthiness requirements. Ability to rapidly assess technical challenges, identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and recommend engineering solutions before issues impact mission execution.

Recognized technical expertise with the ability to independently apply advanced engineering principles, sound judgment, and lessons learned to new and evolving mission requirements. Experience supporting operational exercises, experimentation events, and capability demonstrations involving Combatant Commands, MAJCOMs, and joint mission partners. Working knowledge of Department of Defense test, evaluation, and exercise planning policies, processes, and procedures.

Experience working with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and operating within classified test and operational environments. Demonstrated ability to lead technical planning meetings, engineering working groups, design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and executive-level briefings. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data, evaluate system performance, and communicate engineering findings to government leadership and operational users.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing technical documentation, engineering assessments, flight test reports, and executive briefings. Proven ability to work independently in dynamic, fast-paced operational environments while managing multiple concurrent technical priorities. Strong customer engagement and technical collaboration skills with experience serving as the engineering interface between government organizations, industry partners, and contractor teams.

Experience developing integrated technical execution plans, engineering schedules, test milestones, and status reporting to support flight test activities. Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across multiple engineering disciplines and flight test efforts. Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.

Ability to travel and maintain a flexible work schedule in support of flight test operations, exercises, and mission execution. Desired Skills: Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts, including Large Language Models (LLMs), computer vision, autonomous systems, and decision-support technologies as applied to defense and flight test environments. Experience evaluating, integrating, or testing AI-enabled capabilities, autonomous systems, or advanced data analytics within operational test, experimentation, or rapid capability development efforts.

Experience with multi-domain test, training, and exercise Previous experience as aircrew flight test member (Pilot, EWO, NAV, FTE, etc.) Education Requirements: Minimum of Master's degree and 5+ years' Program Management experience, or Bachelor's degree and 7+ years' Program Management experience, or Associate's degree and 9+ years' Program Management experience. Travel Requirements: Routine travel is expected. Candidates should anticipate two weeks per quarter but additional travel may be required based on mission requirements

Non-traditional work hours will be required. Expectation is that work will be performed onsite, with frequent local travel to range site(s). Security Clearance: Current Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility and the ability to obtain access to Special Access Programs (SAP), SCI, and Special Technical Operations (STO) required.

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