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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 24, 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 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 Nevada as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,354 per year, or $66 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

The Hiring Method, LLC

Las Vegas, NV

$92K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Work Setting: 100% onsite with a four-day, 10-hour workweek (Monday–Thursday)

Travel: Occasional travel to support flight testing and customer operations

Compensation: $92,057.95 – $117,781.40 base salary (actual annual earnings are expected to be significantly higher due to field deployment pay and overtime opportunities).

Benefits: Company-paid employee medical insurance, low-cost family coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits package


Position Summary

A rapidly growing aerospace and defense technology company is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and evaluation of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

This is a highly technical, multidisciplinary engineering role responsible for designing prototype aircraft, supporting additive and composite manufacturing, overseeing flight test programs, and analyzing test data to improve aircraft performance. 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 development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate combines a strong aerospace engineering background with hands-on aircraft design experience, advanced SolidWorks proficiency, and a passion for bringing innovative UAS concepts from design to flight.


What You'll Do

• Design and develop prototype unmanned aircraft and aerospace components using SolidWorks and other CAD/CAM tools

• Lead flight test planning, execution, and analysis for new UAS platforms and technologies

• Support additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and composite fabrication activities throughout product development

• Evaluate flight test data and apply engineering analysis to improve aircraft performance and reliability

• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and leadership to develop innovative aerospace solutions

• Support aircraft integration, modifications, and prototype development from concept through testing

• Research emerging aerospace technologies and recommend improvements for future aircraft designs

• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, engineering standards, and operational requirements throughout testing activities


What You Bring

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline

• 5+ years of experience supporting aircraft or UAS design, development, and flight testing

• Expert-level proficiency with SolidWorks and experience designing complex aerospace components

• Experience with additive manufacturing, CNC machining, and prototype fabrication

• Strong understanding of aircraft design principles, aerodynamics, and flight test methodologies

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects in a fast-paced development environment


Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

• Experience operating or supporting unmanned aircraft systems

• Knowledge of fiberglass and carbon fiber composite fabrication

• Experience with FDM and DLP 3D printing technologies

• Familiarity with Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Pix4D Capture, UgCS, or similar UAS software

• Working knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, C#, or Swift

• Experience supporting patent development or innovative aerospace product design


Why This Opportunity

• Design and develop next-generation unmanned aircraft from concept through flight test

• Work in a highly collaborative environment where engineers have direct influence over product development

• Four-day workweek (Monday–Thursday) with excellent work-life balance

• Broad technical exposure across aircraft design, manufacturing, flight testing, and systems integration

• Opportunity to work with advanced aerospace technologies in a fast-moving R&D environment

• Strong benefits package with long-term career growth and technical leadership opportunities

• Join a team where innovation, creativity, and hands-on engineering are at the center of every project