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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Flight Controls Engineer

Manassas, VA

$135K - $165K/yr

We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by ... The Role Electra.aero is seeking a Principal Flight Controls Engineer to serve as a senior ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $165K/yr

SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ... Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and ...

Parsons Corporation

Advanced Test Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

This oversight encompasses the full test lifecycle for flight, ground, and cyber testing, including ... Ability to lead and execute extensive testing and provide engineering support on systems, system ...

Parsons

Advanced Test Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$134K - $241K/yr

This oversight encompasses the full test lifecycle for flight, ground, and cyber testing, including ... Ability to lead and execute extensive testing and provide engineering support on systems, system ...

Northrop Grumman

Test Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as an RF Test Engineer to support production and ...

Northrop Grumman Corp. (JP)

Test Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$72.10 - $108.10/hr

... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as an RF Test Engineer to support production and ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Test Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as an RF Test Engineer to support production and ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Test Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

... flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people ... We are looking for you to join our team as an RF Test Engineer to support production and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Flight Test Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$133.7K

$202.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Virginia is $133,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $158,600.00 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.
More about Flight Test Engineer jobs

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For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,728 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Intermediate Software Test Engineer (Flight Safety Systems)

Peraton

Fort Belvoir, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 226 rated it services

Job description

Job Summary:
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe. They are seeking an Intermediate Software Test Engineer to support Flight Safety systems, responsible for testing, validating, and integrating mission-critical software tools in a national security space mission environment.
Responsibilities:
• Support integration and verification testing of new data sources and software capabilities within legacy and next-generation FS systems
• Design, execute, and document software test plans, regression tests, and operational validation scenarios in test and pre-production environments
• Use Bash and Python scripts to support automated testing, data validation, troubleshooting, and system analysis in Linux-based classified environments
• Validate system performance by executing conjunction assessment and screening workflows, including RSO-to-RSO and RSO-to-ground proximity analysis (e.g., ASW "SuperCombo"-type runs)
• Perform pre- and post-launch validation of TLEs, state vectors, and maneuver ephemeris data against cataloged RSOs to ensure collision risk mitigation logic is functioning correctly
• Operate and validate orbit propagation and analysis tools (e.g., STK or ASW-type systems), ensuring correct input handling, output accuracy, and reporting consistency
• Support defect identification, root cause analysis, and issue tracking for software anomalies discovered during test and operational use
• Participate in test readiness reviews, flight safety meetings, and operational training/exercise events
• Develop and maintain test documentation, validation reports, and user/training materials, and provide hands-on instruction (OJT) to team members
• Collaborate with engineers, operators, and external stakeholders to ensure system changes meet operational requirements and safety thresholds
Qualifications:
Required:
• Minimum of 12 years w/o a degree or 10 years with AS/AA or 8 years with BS/BA; or 6 years with MS/MA; or 4 years with Ph.D
• Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph
Preferred:
• 1+ years of experience with Flight Safety or astrodynamics test tools (e.g., STK, ASW SuperCombo), or STK Level 2 certification
• 2+ years of combined experience in space operations, conjunction assessment, or flight safety systems testing
• Understanding of orbital mechanics, conjunction analysis methods, and space domain awareness concepts
• Experience validating or testing systems involving RSO catalogs, ephemeris data, and orbital propagation models
• Ability to write and interpret Bash and Python scripts for test automation and data analysis
• Familiarity with national security space mission environments (e.g., NRO-related systems and workflows)
Company:
Peraton Fearlessly solving the toughest national security challenges. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Woodbridge, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Peraton employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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