ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Curtisswright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Hardware Engineer working at the Newtown PA site this role will be key to driving forward the product development goals of the next generation of Flight Test instrumentation products ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Hardware Engineer working at the Newtown PA site this role will be key to driving forward the product development goals of the next generation of Flight Test instrumentation products ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Develop and analyze flight control system requirements, including system design trade studies ... Develop, debug, and test Matlab/Simulink-based software and data analysis tools, including the ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Flight Test Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$43.6K

$135.2K

$204.5K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Pennsylvania is $135,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,800.00 and $160,400.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in PA?

For Flight Test Engineer jobs in PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,208 per year, or $65 per hour.

Experienced Test & Evaluation Engineer (Test Instrumentation)

Boeing

Ridley Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 616 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Experienced Test & Evaluation Engineer (Test Instrumentation)
Company:
The Boeing Company
Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) is seeking an Experienced Test & Evaluation Instrumentation Engineer, with experience in Test Control Methods and Data Acquisition Systems preferred, to work in the Structures and Mechanical Test (STR) capability as part of the Structures Test and Evaluation Engineering team located in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.
The STR capability supports structural, mechanical and material properties test programs for all Boeing Divisions, including Boeing Commercial Aircraft (BCA), Boeing Defense Space & Security (BDS), and Boeing Global Services (BGS). This position will support the lab test teams by developing and operating instrumentation, test control and data acquisition hardware and software setups and electro/mechanical design solutions of varying complexity.
As part of this team, you will have the opportunity to work on legacy military vertical lift aircraft, such as H-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters, as well as programs of the future within our Phantom Works portfolio. The Philadelphia Structures team supports tests ranging from material testing to airframe component and fatigue testing. The ideal candidate should work well under pressure, have excellent all-around communication skills, leadership, interpersonal, organizational skills, and be very detail oriented.
Position Responsibilities Include:
  • Operates test control and data acquisition systems during structural and mechanical test operations
  • Designs test hardware, software and systems to achieve test requirements
  • Identifies required products, systems, components, materials, and manufacturing processes / technologies
  • Architects, Designs, Develops, and Documents instrumentation and test control systems under the general direction of senior engineers.
  • Generates electrical schematics using Microsoft Visio and other common design software
  • Coordinates control system design, fabrication, integration, modification, setup, checkout and teardown
  • Develops derived test requirements and determines test and measurement design approach.
  • Integrates test hardware, software and systems to fulfill all test requirements
  • Troubleshoots and resolves instrumentation system, transducer, and test-related problems
  • Analyzes, reviews and validates test data to ensure test instrumentation hardware and software readiness
  • Conducts research in test technologies to improve efficiency and capability
  • Interfaces with other members of project or program teams, management, and technical staff to define and implement test engineering solutions
  • Performs functions as required to ensure instrumentation system readiness and data validity
  • Assists in design of instrumentation placement and cable routing
  • Self-starter that works under minimal supervision
  • Mentor to less experienced team members

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • 3+ years of experience with PID Control theory, control software, and/or data acquisition software or equipment
  • 3+ years of experience working in a lab test, flight test, or similar test environment
  • 1+ years of experience with various types of sensors and instrumentation including strain gages, temperature / pressure measurement, accelerometers, and deflection transducers
  • 3+ years of experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting instrumentation systems for aircraft programs

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or Aerospace Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience with MTS FlexTest controllers and/or MTS AeroPro Test Control Software
  • Experience with data acquisition system attributes (e.g. range, accuracy, frequency responses, bandwidth) to define characteristics of measurements to be recorded
  • Experience with hydraulic control systems for static and fatigue testing in a lab environment

Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary Pay Range: $111,350 - $150,650
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
EEO is the law
Boeing EEO Policy
Request an Accommodation
Applicant Privacy
Boeing Participates in E - Verify
  • E-Verify (English)
  • E-Verify (Spanish)

Right to Work Statement
  • Right to Work (English)
  • Right to Work (Spanish)

What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Boeing logo

About Boeing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

View All Boeing Jobs

Apply