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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Tomahawk Flight Test Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform ... Test Systems design experience and collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines, such as ...

Raytheon

Principal Test Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

... and Flight Termination products; power systems from all up round to the lowest level power ... Working with a team of engineers performing electrical tests and troubleshooting on subassemblies ...

SCEYE INC

SIM Lead

Moriarty, NM · On-site

$155K - $230K/yr

... flight platform. Our simulation ('SIM') systems replicate vehicle dynamics, avionics, and mission software so engineers can safely develop, test, and validate new capabilities before they ever fly in ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

Flight Test Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$42.2K

$130.7K

$197.7K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in New Mexico is $130,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,200.00 and $155,100.00 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.
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in New Mexico as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,713 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Specialist Engineer. Flight Test

Truth Or Consequences, NM • On-site

Virgin Galactic, Inc.
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Virgin Galactic, Inc.external

$136K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Virgin Galactic rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

As a Specialist Engineer, Flight Test, you will lead ground and flight test activities. Guided by our values, "Safety above All", we proactively manage the risks inherent in human spaceflight through our daily actions, ensure the project meets mission requirements and maintains technical, budgetary and schedule integrity. You will be the communication liaison between engineers and managers by developing consistent test methods, processes, and procedures and be responsible for coordinating activities involved with planning, executing, and reporting on ground and flight tests. You will plan, support, and conduct test missions, provide timely test reports, and provide some analysis as required. The Specialist Engineer, Flight Test works closely with Engineering to turn their requirements into specific test procedures and plans to verify the safe and effective operations of our flight test vehicles. Configuration control, test conduct, and reporting are standard duties.
Responsibilities
  • Lead ground test and flight test activities.
  • Gather and develop the test requirements from the different engineering disciplines.
  • Work with Engineering to turn requirements into test configuration, procedures, conditions, and maneuvers.
  • Develop test plans, including hazard analyses.
  • Develop the test schedules with project engineers and program managers.
  • Coordinate test schedules with Maintenance, Engineering, and Flight Operations.
  • Define control room display requirements and updates.
  • Define and monitor configurations for tests.
  • Conduct test readiness reviews (TRRs), technical safety review boards (TSRBs), flight readiness reviews (FRRs), or support major program milestones.
  • Monitor and conduct tests on the aircraft and spaceships.
  • Provide daily reports on vehicle progress and reports on tests as flown and completed.
  • Update flight logs and test documentation.
  • Write test reports to document results.
  • Continuously practice safety behavior and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) awareness/prevention; adhere to regulatory protocols and rules.
  • Work collaboratively to achieve goals and/or complete assigned tasks.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in aerospace with 12 years of flight test experience.
  • Thorough understanding of aeroelastic flutter, fly-by-wire flight controls, handling qualities, and mechanical systems.
  • Passionate, and organized team member ready to support complex test operations
  • Able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex product development environment with multiple priorities.
  • Experience with IMP/IMS, risk management, configuration management, requirements management processes preferred.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail - Team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy and working under tight time deadlines.
  • Experience leading a control room for mission-critical test campaigns
  • Able to hold an FAA Second-Class medical certificate
  • Travel between Las Cruces, NM and Spaceport America is 50-70% in 2026

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • A general understanding of aerospace drawings, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
  • Understanding and familiarity with the National Airspace System (NAS), Military Operating Areas (MOAs), and other Special Use Airspaces (SUAs).
  • Practitioner and advocate of good crew resource management (CRM) practices.
  • Test Pilot School graduate or flight test course work.

#LI-HS1
The annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $136,063.00-$207,596.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit https://vgcareers.virgingalactic.com/global/en/benefits
Who We Are
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles .
Export Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here .
EEO Statement
Virgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Drug Free Workplace
Virgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace. All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing.
Phoenix Employment Requirements
For individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge. This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.

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