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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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

*SKILLBRIDGE* Test Engineer

Houston, TX

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, 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 ...

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 ...

Interlune

Lunar Surface Test Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a test engineer to develop and execute test approaches for lunar surface systems across early R&D, prototype development, environmental verification, and flight hardware qualification.

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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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Texas

Flight Test Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$40.5K

$125.7K

$190.1K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.

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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,666 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Test & Evaluation (R5141)

Socket.dev

Dallas, TX • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Job Description:We are looking for a driven and hands-on test professional to supportaircraftand system testing in a fast-paced aerospace environmenton our XBAT program. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working closely with cross-functional teams, and seeing projects move from early development through production and flight operations. The right candidate will have experience planning and executing tests for UAV ormannedaircraftplatforms and be comfortable building test plans and procedures from the ground up. This individual should be organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple test activities whilemaintaininga strong focus on safety, quality, and mission success.

What you'll do:
  • Manage and maintain traceability of test requirements throughout system development, integration, and test execution phases.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute aircraft/lab test execution activities, including pre-test readiness reviews, test conduct, data collection, and post-test reporting.
  • Coordinate test schedules and support comprehensive test planning activities to ensure alignment with program milestones and objectives.
  • Develop and manage test event sequencing and execution plans throughout the aircraft build and integration lifecycle.
  • Coordinate and oversee ground and flight test execution activities, ensuring adherence to approved procedures, safety requirements, and program objectives. Ensure test activities, methodologies, and deliverables align with engineering, mission, and program requirements.
  • Participate in Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), test planning meetings, and pre-test briefings to support successful test execution.
  • Develop, maintain, and continuously improve test procedures to enhance accuracy, efficiency, repeatability, and overall execution quality.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and evaluate test anomalies, discrepancies, and system performance issues to support timely resolution.
  • Collaborate closely with Test Engineering, Quality Engineering, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and improve test processes.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing test efficiency, execution quality, and operational effectiveness.
  • Support extended work hours, shift work, and weekend operations as required to meet test schedules, flight operations, and program commitments.
Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field and 5+ years of relevant aerospace, aircraft test, or flight test experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience planning, executing, and reporting on test activities for UAV, UAS, or manned aircraft systems.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
  • Experience developing aircraft test plans, test procedures, and test documentation for new or modified aircraft systems.
  • Hands-on experience supporting aircraft integration, test, and validation activities in a production or manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex aircraft, avionics, and system integration issues during test activities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail with a proactive, safety-focused approach to testing and operations.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance and any required program access.
  • Willingness to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends, as required to support program objectives.
  • Ability to travel domestically to support flight test and customer site activities.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance (current preferred) with eligibility to supportspecial accessprograms.
  • Experience supporting Group 5 UAS/UAV launch, recovery, and flight operations.
  • Hands-on experience with aircraft avionics systems, integration, troubleshooting, and testing.
  • Aircraft maintenance experience supporting military, commercial, or unmanned aircraft platforms.
  • Experience conducting laboratory-based testing, verification, and validation of aircraft systems, subsystems, or components.
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