1

Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The Systems Engineering and Test Center, Effectors, is seeking a Test Director to manage the end-to ... Develop and execution of test events cumulating in multiple flight test demonstrations. * Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Flight Test Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$39.6K

$122.8K

$185.7K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Utah is $122,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $145,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including experienced Flight Test Engineers working in the aerospace industry, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and extensive experience. High-level engineering roles in specialized fields such as defense, space exploration, or executive positions tend to have the highest compensation, often requiring advanced certifications and significant expertise.

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 industry sector. Senior engineers or those working for major aerospace companies may earn higher salaries, and the role often requires specialized skills in aeronautics and testing procedures.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace or flight test engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like defense or commercial aviation. These roles often require advanced degrees, leadership responsibilities, and work in complex testing environments.

What are Flight Test Engineers?

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 do flight test engineers do?

Flight test engineers design, plan, and oversee testing of aircraft and aerospace systems to evaluate performance, safety, and compliance with specifications. They analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with pilots, engineers, and manufacturers using specialized tools and instrumentation. Their work often involves testing in controlled environments and requires knowledge of aerodynamics, systems integration, and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Utah? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in UT? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Utah as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,795 per year, or $59 per hour.
Sentinel - Principal / Systems Test Engineer - 16739

Sentinel - Principal / Systems Test Engineer - 16739

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Strategic Deterrent Systems division is seeking a Systems Test Engineer / Principal Systems Test Engineer for the Air Vehicle Equipment (AVE) Integration and Test (I&T) team to design the lab and execute lab Air Vehicle integration activities. This position is located in Roy, UT and supports the Sentinel program.

What You'll Get to do:

  • Support the development of HW acceptance test requirements and procedures
  • Integrate HW into system, execute HW acceptance testing per requirements and procedures and troubleshoot failures
  • Manage, record, and prioritize problems/failures
  • Support integration activities in support of system verification and validation
  • Work within and across teams to support and coordinate daily integration activities
  • Compile data and define changes required in test equipment, test procedures, or new test requirements
  • Collaborate with systems engineers, development engineers, internal customers and other stakeholders involved in the testing process
  • Support the development of HW user manuals
  • Support the development of the lab Operational Concepts (OPSCON) to maximize the utility of test resources while meeting schedule and technical requirements and/or constraints
  • Process and Consolidate test data for other IPT's
  • Write and deliver test presentations and/or demos in support of program reviews
  • Support the development of test software in support of integration efforts

Basic Qualifications:

This requisition may be filled at either the Systems Test Engineer level (T-02) or Principal Systems Test Engineer level (T-03).

  • System Test Engineer: 2 Years with Bachelors in STEM; 0 Years with Masters. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Principal System Test Engineer: 5 Years with Bachelors in STEM; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • US Citizenship with an Active Secret Clearance or higher (awarded within the past 6 years) with the ability to receive a Special Access Program (SAP) certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Automated Test Experience (developmental and Execution).
  • 1 year of experience with HW and/or SW integration in a lab and/or test environment.
  • Experience with systems and test engineering principles and processes.
  • Experience designing and setting up a Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT) type test lab.
  • Strong background working with test instrumentation.
  • Experience in design, maintenance, and/or troubleshooting of test cables, test sets, and test support equipment.
  • Experience working with or designing Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) or Automated Test Equipment.
  • Experience with integration and test of large-scale weapons systems of flight vehicles.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

#Sentinelintandtest

Primary Level Salary Range: $72,100.00 - $108,100.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939