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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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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 / Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer - 17985

Sentinel - Principal / Sr. Principal Systems Test Engineer - 17985

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 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 Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking a Principal Systems Test Engineer / Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Roy, UT and will support the Sentinel program. Northrop Grumman supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and system modifications for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Ground and Airborne Launch Control Systems, Launch Facilities and associated infrastructure.

In support of the Sentinel System Test Team and the Test Strategy Pivot, collaborate across all functions within the program to develop advanced test campaign plans, concepts, techniques and requirements

  • Coordinate test event and test article schedules, and provide Liaison assistance between the interfacing Product and Test Teams.

  • Support the Test Team with vertical and horizontal program test integration activities in Roy Utah.

Successful candidates will have the following key attributes:

  • Proactive - anticipates Program test requirements from higher management, and initiate and complete actions required to meet those requirements.

  • Perceptive - sees the "big picture" but is also able to focus on the details and follows all of them through to completion.

  • Composed - maintains a "level head" in the extremely dynamic, fast-paced, and demanding environment, especially when working closely with management on test projects with highly compressed timelines and tight deadlines.

  • Discretion - self-initiates tasks with considerable latitude for independent judgment.

Basic Qualifications:

This requisition may be filled at either the Principal Systems Test Engineer level (T-03) or Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer level (T-04).

  • Principal Systems Test Engineer: 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD of systems test experience; OR an additional 4 years of experience can be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Senior Principal Systems Test Engineer: 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD of systems test experience; OR an additional 4 years of experience can be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Must be a U.S citizen and have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, (<6yrs) with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business need.

  • Experience with development of test plans, procedures, and reports (functional testing and checkout).

  • Demonstrated test campaign planning knowledge and experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of project management principles and execution of a large complex program

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with the Atlassian Suite of tools (Confluence, Jira)

  • Experience with high level customer engagement

  • Experience with schedule management, risk management and performance management

  • Experience facilitating Program Reviews

  • Experience as a Control Account Manager (CAM)

  • Experience leading hardware procurement/supply chain operations

  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Experience in system development

  • Experience working within a multi-team environment

  • Experience with tableau and data analytics

  • Experience with earned value management knowledge in a program management capacity

  • Experience with high level customer engagement

  • Experience with Agile Project Management

  • Experience with creating and monitoring test metrics

  • Experience with a Test environment

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: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $167,500.00The 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.

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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