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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

CodePath

Engineering Project Manager

OR · Remote

$140K - $178K/yr

Keep engineering projects organized and moving: track what's in flight, flag what's blocked, and help the team stay clear on what's next * Own quality: test what we build, use AI to automate the ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Oregon

Flight Test Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$46K

$142.6K

$215.7K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Oregon is $142,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $169,200.00 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.
More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
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What cities in Oregon are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in OR? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems

IRPI

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

IRPI is pioneering the hardware that sustains life and enables exploration beyond Earth.
We design and build flight systems for spacecraft, habitats, and suits, advancing systems that manage air, water, waste, and thermal control for human missions. Our portfolio spans CO₂ removal and air revitalization, hydroponics, biological sample processing, waste management, and fire safety, as well as condensing heat exchangers, propellant management devices, lunar lander components, and advanced suit subsystems.
What makes IRPI unique is how we integrate research, design, and fluid-thermal engineering to produce hardware that performs in the most demanding environments. From early-stage concepts to flight-qualified systems, we transform ideas into tested, mission-ready technology that expands the boundaries of human presence in space.
Your Mission
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll be a technical anchor on active NASA and commercial space programs - the person others turn to when a problem is hard, a design needs defending, or a test result doesn't make sense. You'll bring deep expertise across mechanical, thermal, and fluid systems, and apply it end-to-end: from concept through analysis, prototyping, test, and flight integration.
This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in altitude as much as in discipline. You'll get hands-on in the lab when a build stalls or a test result doesn't add up - then step back to weigh that detail against program priorities, schedule, and risk. We need someone who can dive into the weeds without getting lost in them: the details matter, but so does knowing which ones matter most.
Just as important, you'll multiply the team around you. You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical resource for mid-level and early-career engineers - reviewing their work, sharing your reasoning, and helping them build the judgment that only comes from experience.
Strong candidates at this level are recognized for the quality of their engineering judgment, not just their output.
This position requires access to export-controlled technology. Only U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own the design, analysis, and test of complex mechanical, thermal, and fluid subsystems across multiple active projects.
  • Mentor mid-level and early-career engineers: review their designs, analyses, and test plans; give direct, constructive feedback; and help them develop sound engineering judgment.
  • Balance hands-on problem-solving with program-level judgment - know when a detail warrants a deep dive and when it's good enough to move forward.
  • Lead trade studies, develop design concepts, and drive technical decisions through PDR, CDR, and into flight.
  • Produce and review detailed SolidWorks models, assemblies, and drawings; enforce configuration control discipline across the team.
  • Author and maintain bills of materials for prototype and flight builds; coordinate with suppliers and fabricators.
  • Plan and lead test campaigns: design test setups, write procedures, execute tests, and deliver clear engineering conclusions from the data.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex design, analysis, or test anomalies - and document your reasoning rigorously.
  • Serve as a technical point of contact with NASA and commercial partners during reviews and integration activities.
  • Contribute to IRPI's culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering field.
  • 7+ years of experience designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical and thermal-fluid systems; M.S. counts as 1 year toward this requirement.
  • Demonstrated technical depth: you are the person who has solved hard problems, not just contributed to the team that did.
  • Proven end-to-end ownership of subsystems through design, analysis, test, and - ideally - flight or qualification.
  • Expert-level proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD, including manufacturing drawings, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining, or additive manufacturing; you build and test, not just simulate.
  • Strong command of test instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis (Excel, MATLAB, or Python).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present technical conclusions clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
  • U.S. citizenship or nationality (required for export-controlled work).
Nice to Have
  • Experience at a small space company, startup, or small-team R&D environment.
  • Direct experience with NASA program lifecycles, formal design reviews (PDR/CDR), or flight qualification processes.
  • Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA-STD-5001, MIL-STD-1540, or similar).
  • Track record of mentoring engineers or leading small technical efforts.

Benefits
Compensation & Perks
  • Salary: $130,000 - $160,000, based on experience and degree
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and dental insurance for employees and families
  • Retirement: Employer contributions to help you build long-term security
  • Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule
  • Family Support: Paid parental leave and flexibility to support work-life balance
  • Performance Rewards: Annual bonus opportunities tied to company and individual success
  • Professional Growth: Hands-on experience with flight hardware, close collaboration with principal engineers, and the opportunity to shape technical direction on cutting-edge space programs
  • Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team developing breakthrough space hardware that directly impacts the future of human exploration
How to Apply
Be sure to answer all application questions fully and thoughtfully. Our hiring team reviews every application and may also consider you for other positions that align with your skills and interests.
If you have a thesis, dissertation, technical presentation, or published work, please include it. A cover letter is optional but encouraged if it provides context not captured in your resume, particularly around programs you've worked on and the nature of your technical contributions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
IRPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected category.

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