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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Conduct remote UAS flight operations in compliance with FAA Part 107 regulations and company ... Organize and report test results * Perform specialized inspections * May instruct and supervise ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 7, 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 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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
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:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,611 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer - Systems Safety

Garmin International, Inc.

Salem, OR • On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Senior Aircraft Systems Engineer - Systems Safety for Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in development or certification of avionics installations. This position requires an aviation background.
Essential Functions
  • Provide leadership for the certification aspects of Garmin aircraft certification projects through coordination with the FAA, internal Garmin groups and outside customers to ensure well planned, efficient and timely aircraft systems implementation, development and FAA certification
  • Serve in leadership capacity to develop and/or certify complex STCs designs including all aspects such as installation design/interconnect, safety considerations, etc.
  • Create or review STC certification plans for projects, including determining affected Federal Aviation Regulations and certification basis based on similar projects
  • Create or review test reports, analyses, and other compliance data for projects of medium complexity
  • May serve as project lead, technical lead, or certification lead for projects of medium complexity or for complex designs that are significant redesigns of existing STC projects
  • Demonstrate solid understanding of STC certification process and associated regulations
  • Revise procedures/create new procedures and logically define project documentation structure
  • Coordinate with outside customers to understand/meet their expectations consistently
  • Coordinate internal Garmin groups to communicate, execute and meet project goals and work effectively with design/development teams to complete complex projects
  • Understand design and/or certification constraints
  • Provide reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serve as a mentor to less experienced aircraft systems engineers (Aircraft Systems Engineer 1 & 2)
  • Provide engineering support for the development of system safety documents

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Previous experience working in avionics design, installation and FAA certification
  • Must be detail-oriented and work proactively and effectively with some supervision support
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a flexible, fast paced and challenging environment
  • Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to avionics and flight controls certification efforts
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of the FAA STC process
  • Demonstrated understanding of commercial avionics interface standards and their installation
  • Demonstrated clear understanding of the FAA system safety process
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated advanced knowledge in one or more of the following technical areas: Electrical Systems, Structures, Mechanical Systems, System Safety, HIRF/Lightning, and/or Aircraft Certification

Desired Qualifications
  • A background with aircraft systems, aircraft maintenance or modification
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to avionics and flight controls certification efforts particularly those associated with system safety such as 23.1309
  • Pilot's license or Pilot-in-training
  • FAA DER, Candidate DER, or previous ODA Unit Member authorization
  • Prior experience in project, program, and people management

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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