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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Beyond Reach Labs

Development Test Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

To make this possible, every mechanism, structure, and actuator we develop needs to be proven out on the ground before it ever sees flight. As a Development Test Engineer at BRL, you will design ...

Mosaic.tech

Flight Controls Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Conduct structured flight test campaigns -- define test cards, instrument logging, execute in-field ... engineering experience on real flying hardware * Deep familiarity with PX4 (or comparable ...

Homerun B.V.

Director, UAS Flight Operations

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Collaboration with our engineering team will be crucial as you plan, execute, and report on test activities. Success in this role hinges on your ability to adapt to new requirements and manage flight ...

AITAN

FPV Drone Operator

Mahwah, NJ · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

You will be based at our New Jersey test facility with regular travel to field and flight sites. On non-testing days, you will work R&D at the facility alongside the engineering team, building and ...

New

L3HHCM20

Sr Specialist, Systems Engineer

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Experience supporting flight test, environmental qualification, and customer verification ... Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements management, and configuration management tools.

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Flight Test Engineer information

See New York salary details

$47.6K

$147.6K

$223.2K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in New York is $147,568.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,400.00 and $175,000.00 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.
More about Flight Test Engineer jobs

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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in New York 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 $147,568 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Development Test Engineer

Beyond Reach Labs

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

They say the best deployable is no deployable, but we believe large deployable mechanisms are the future for large infrastructure in space.

At Beyond Reach Labs, we are designing and building the largest deployable structures ever flown to space. As an engineering-driven organization, you will be at the forefront of the company's key technology development. To make this possible, every mechanism, structure, and actuator we develop needs to be proven out on the ground before it ever sees flight.

As a Development Test Engineer at BRL, you will design, build, and operate the test infrastructure that proves out our hardware. You will be responsible for subassembly-level development testing through full-scale deployment testing of flight hardware. Your work will span the full development cycle; standing up data acquisition systems, fabricating test stands and fixtures, writing procedures and performing testing that take a mechanism from a prototype to qualified and acceptance tested spaceflight hardware.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Test Design and Fabrication:
    • Design, fabricate, and instrument test rigs and stands for deployable mechanisms, structural test articles, and motor/actuator hardware.
    • Fabricate and wire data acquisition (DAQ) systems, including sensor selection, signal conditioning, and instrumentation layout.
    • Produce fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists for test equipment.
    • Examine opportunities for streamlining and automating testing where necessary for acceptance testing or long term production.
  • Test Operations and Data Review:
    • Operate test systems across development, acceptance, and qualification testing, from full-scale deployment tests down to subassembly-level characterization.
    • Run test campaigns hands‑on, including test article integration, activation, execution, and troubleshooting.
    • Reduce and review test data, and work with design engineers to identify anomalies and root cause.
    • Own the outcome, not just the execution: synthesize test results and performance trends into concrete recommendations back to design and manufacturing to mature the hardware — you’re expected to catch what the data is telling you before it becomes a program problem.
  • Procedures and Qualification:
    • Develop and write acceptance test procedures (ATPs) and qualification test plans for flight hardware and ground support equipment.
    • Define qualification approaches and acceptance testing methods in coordination with responsible engineers.
    • Maintain configuration control of test procedures, test data, and as‑run documentation.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in a hands‑on engineering role fabricating or operating test hardware, DAQ systems, or test rigs.
  • Experience developing test procedures, including acceptance test or qualification test documentation.
  • Working knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition fundamentals (sensors, signal conditioning, sampling).
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • ~5 years of experience in hardware development testing.
  • Direct experience testing spaceflight hardware — through development, acceptance, and qualification testing.
  • Direct prior experience designing, fabricating, and operating test rigs and stands for mechanisms, structural test articles, motors, or actuators, including DAQ hardware/software and common test instrumentation.
  • Direct prior experience with large, lightweight deployable structure testing (gravity offload, deployment dynamics, or similar test methods).
  • Demonstrated data reduction, data review and automation proficiency/capabilities.
Additional Requirements:
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.
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