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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician II

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Basic knowledge of engineering drawings and specification systems * Must be able to fill out the necessary flight test documentation * Must be able to properly document any/all non-conformances ...

Quality Technician II

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Basic knowledge of engineering drawings and specification systems * Must be able to fill out the necessary flight test documentation * Must be able to properly document any/all non-conformances ...

Quality Technician II

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Basic knowledge of engineering drawings and specification systems * Must be able to fill out the necessary flight test documentation * Must be able to properly document any/all non-conformances ...

Quality Technician II

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Basic knowledge of engineering drawings and specification systems * Must be able to fill out the necessary flight test documentation * Must be able to properly document any/all non-conformances ...

The College of Engineering and the Department seek to grow their capability for research and ... Other practical experience with flying that supports flight test and demonstration is preferred.

Showing results 41-60

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 4, 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.

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:

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.

Senior Specialist, Project Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

Bristol, PA

$96K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Project Engineering

Job Code: 42719

Job Location: Bristol, PA

Job Schedule: Full-Time, 9/80 (employees work 9 out of every 14 days, totaling 80 hours, with every other Friday off)

Job Description:

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent passionate about advancing mission-critical technologies. TRF Bristol designs, develops, manufactures, and fields qualified, ruggedized embedded hardware modules that support secure tracking, flight safety, and end-to-end communications security capabilities for United States and allied platforms. The Senior Specialist, Project Engineering role leads day-to-day engineering execution for airborne telemetry, radio frequency (RF), and embedded hardware programs, coordinating cost, schedule, and technical performance across the product lifecycle. This position works closely with engineering, program management, operations, and customers to support disciplined execution from proposal and development through qualification, test, and production support.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead day-to-day cost, schedule, and technical execution of engineering projects within program guidelines established by Program Management and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and Integrated Product Teams across the product lifecycle to support cohesive execution of complex airborne embedded hardware development efforts.
  • Manage engineering cost and schedule performance within an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) environment, including adherence to performance metrics, development of Estimates to Complete (ETCs), and coordination with the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Plan and support major engineering and program reviews, including System Requirements Review (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), and Test Readiness Review (TRR), as well as integration, qualification, and flight test readiness activities.
  • Provide coordination between engineering teams, resource managers, supervisors, and program leadership to support staffing, status reporting, required reviews, approvals, and issue resolution.
  • Serve as a primary technical interface with customers and suppliers, communicating program status, supporting technical discussions, and resolving execution issues affecting productivity, quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
  • Lead project-level risk and opportunity management activities, including identification, tracking, mitigation planning, and disposition of engineering issues.
  • Drive coordination across Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to support on-time, on-budget execution and transition of new products into production.
  • Support bids and proposals through development of engineering scope, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements, Basis of Estimate (BOE) inputs, and Technical Baseline Review (TBR) activities.
  • Travel as needed to support program execution, customer meetings, suppliers, and test activities; ability to obtain and maintain a United States security clearance is required.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant engineering experience; or a Graduate degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience; or a minimum of 10 years of prior related engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
    • Experience to include:
      • Coordinating or leading engineering execution within defined cost, schedule, and technical requirements in a structured program environment.
      • Working in an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) environment, including cost and schedule performance tracking, Estimate to Complete (ETC) development, and schedule coordination.
      • Supporting hardware or embedded system development in aerospace, defense, RF, telemetry, sensor processing, or other mission-critical applications.
      • Working with multidisciplinary engineering teams or Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across the product development lifecycle.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a United States security clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Strong communication skills, including the ability to convey information effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience supporting bid and proposal activities, including Basis of Estimate development, Work Breakdown Structure creation, and Technical Baseline Review preparation.
  • Experience supporting Defense Contract Management Agency-audited programs or other highly governed program execution environments.
  • Experience supporting airborne embedded hardware, ruggedized electronics, compact aerospace modules, radio frequency (RF) systems, telemetry systems, sensor signal processing, or electronic warfare systems.
  • Experience supporting system integration, environmental testing, qualification, certification, or flight test activities.
  • Experience with Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) activities, supplier technical coordination, or operations and manufacturing support.
  • Familiarity with communications security systems, Type 1 cryptographic equipment, or secure communications hardware.

LI-EB1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time