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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop ... Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ...

SpaceX

Test Engineer (Falcon Test)

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

Test rocket hardware to determine suitability for flight * Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during daily test stand and hangar operations * Perform real-time and post-test data ...

KBR, Inc.

*SKILLBRIDGE* Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Test Engineer *MUST BE ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY ELIGIBLE FOR THE DOD SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM TO APPLY ... Awareness of the Flight Hardware Development processing as outlined in SA-WI-014 and EA-023 is ...

KBR

*SKILLBRIDGE* Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Test Engineer *MUST BE ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY ELIGIBLE FOR THE DOD SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM TO APPLY ... Awareness of the Flight Hardware Development processing as outlined in SA-WI-014 and EA-023 is ...

L3HHCM20

Specialist, Integration/Test Engineer

Greenville, TX · On-site

$38.25 - $50.50/hr

... flight test support * Boeing experince. 757 preferred. * A minimum of 2 years of experience with ... Model-based Systems Engineering and Simulation experience * Troubleshooting and multi-level testing ...

SpaceX

Test Engineer (Falcon Test)

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

Test rocket hardware to determine suitability for flight * Provide on-console engineering support for technicians during daily test stand and hangar operations * Perform real-time and post-test data ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

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$40.5K

$125.7K

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How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Texas is $125,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $149,100.00 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.
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Texas as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,666 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX • On-site

Skyways
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Skywaysexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.
Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.
Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.
The Opportunity
This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight.
You will develop and execute subsystem test programs across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware. Your work will directly impact aircraft reliability, development speed, and flight readiness.
You will build the infrastructure needed to test complex systems quickly and accurately, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test workflows. The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on execution, and the ability to diagnose problems across mechanical and electrical systems.
You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight test teams to identify failures early, improve system reliability, and support rapid aircraft iteration.
The ideal candidate is comfortable building test systems from scratch, troubleshooting hardware issues directly, and operating in fast-moving hardware development environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop and execute subsystem test plans for aircraft hardware and integrated systems
  • Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
  • Support testing across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware
  • Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis are built and run across the team
  • Analyze test data and identify system failures, performance gaps, and reliability issues
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integration issues during testing activities
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to improve subsystem performance and validation processes
  • Develop automated test workflows, documentation, and test procedures
  • Support ground testing, aircraft integration, and flight test activities

What You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems, including building test infrastructure from scratch
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems
  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems
  • Experience analyzing test data and diagnosing system-level issues
  • Ability to work directly with hardware in lab, production, or flight test environments
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving engineering environments

Bonus Points If You've:
  • Participated in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly (DBF), FIRST Robotics, Battlebots, etc.
  • Experience with aerospace, UAV, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance hardware systems
  • Experience supporting propulsion, battery, avionics, or environmental testing
  • Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or automated test frameworks
  • Experience supporting flight test or operational hardware deployments
  • Experience with environmental, vibration, thermal, or structural testing

Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!
Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.
Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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