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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

WI · On-site

$220 - $340/hr

Support flight test operations, making risk‑informed decisions and driving rapid iteration ... Mentor and guide engineers while setting the technical standard for control system performance and ...

Shield AI

WI · On-site

$220K - $340K/yr

Support flight test operations, making risk‑informed decisions and driving rapid iteration ... Mentor and guide engineers while setting the technical standard for control system performance and ...

Jobtailor

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Correlating flight test data with aerodynamic and performance models to validate system behavior ... Collaborating with embedded engineers to ensure correct integration and calibration of control laws.

New

Hikinex

As part of the System Engineering Department, the Satellite and Payload System Test Authority will ... Flight Software, Satellite Database * • Knowledge of Python or other scripting languages ...

Hikinex

$111K - $152K/yr

As part of the System Engineering Department, the Flight Operations System Engineer will ... Development of Satellite Operation Manuals, test procedures and oversight of their execution and ...

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

As a Principal Propulsion Engineer, you'll own the design, development, integration, test, and qualification of flight fluid systems. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and integration ...

New

InvestedintheMission

WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

... flight rationale, and post-flight data-driven optimizations. At Starbase, you will have the ... Develop, test, and qualify new or refined thermal protection system solutions for our Starship ...

New

Future Ventures

WI · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

... flight rationale, and post-flight data-driven optimizations. At Starbase, you will have the ... Develop, test, and qualify new or refined thermal protection system solutions for our Starship ...

New

Hikinex

$111K - $152K/yr

The Satellite Flight-Operations engineer will perform and participate in the following tasks and ... Development of Satellite Operation Manuals, test procedures and oversight of their execution and ...

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

The Deputy Director partners closely with the Director of Mechanical Engineering and program leadership to support development, test, production, and flight readiness. The role owns technical ...

New

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Participate in critical technical work including algorithm development, test campaign execution ... Proficiency in the development of flight software and physics simulations for spaceflight ...

New

InvestedintheMission

WI · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

Master's degree in an engineering discipline * 1+ year of system level acceptance test exposure ... Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required * Ability ...

New

InvestedintheMission

WI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Master's degree in an engineering discipline * 1+ year of system level acceptance test exposure ... Flight hardware typically is built in tight quarters and physical dexterity is required * Ability ...

New

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

SUMMARY In this role you will help design, develop, test, and integrate the embedded flight software for Firefly spacecraft. You will work in a group of software engineers through all stages of ...

New

Firefly Aerospace

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Participate in critical technical work including algorithm development, test campaign execution ... Proficiency in the development of flight software and physics simulations for spaceflight ...

New

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Flight Test Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$43.9K

$136.1K

$205.9K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Wisconsin is $136,146.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,500.00 and $161,500.00 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.

More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in WI? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,146 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Senior Staff Engineer, Flight Controls - X-BAT (R4812)

Shield AI

WI • On-site

$220 - $340/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Description

In this role, you will own the flight control system for XBAT, with responsibility for delivering stable, predictable, and operationally robust performance across all phases of flight, including vertical takeoff, hover, transition out-bound, wing-borne flight, transition in-bound, and precision recovery.

What you’ll do
  • Design and deliver the flight control system across all phases of flight including control allocation strategies that manage actuator redundancy, saturation, and degraded operations.
  • Lead development of high-fidelity 6DOF simulation environments and ensure accurate pre‑flight performance predictions.
  • Define and execute the verification strategy, including linear analysis, Monte Carlo campaigns, disturbance/sensitivity/degraded operation testing, and HIL validation.
  • Diagnose and resolve simulation‑to‑flight mismatches, including unidentified dynamics and modeling gaps.
  • Support flight test operations, making risk‑informed decisions and driving rapid iteration between flights.
  • Integrate control systems with propulsion, aero, actuation, sensors, state estimation, and autonomy, ensuring the vehicle behaves predictably under real‑world disturbances and uncertainties.
  • Mentor and guide engineers while setting the technical standard for control system performance and rigor.
Required qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in flight controls / GNC on real flight vehicles, with demonstrated ownership from design through flight test.
  • Demonstrated experience with control allocation design and implementation for over‑actuated systems with provisions for saturation and failure accommodation.
  • Strong background in:
    • Flight dynamics and 6DOF simulation.
    • Control theory and nonlinear systems.
  • Experience executing full V&V cycles, including pre‑flight performance prediction, Monte Carlo analysis, flight readiness assessment, and post‑flight analysis.
  • Proficiency in C++, MATLAB/Simulink, and/or Python, with experience deploying real‑time algorithms.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred qualifications
  • VTOL or transition aircraft experience where control blending and allocation were critical to success.
  • Autonomous systems or missile/UAV GNC background.
  • Experience with flight safety, airworthiness, and mission assurance.
  • Familiarity with:
    • Sensor and air data systems.
    • Fault‑tolerant or adaptive control.
    • CI/CD pipelines and modern DevSecOps practices.
  • Experience with HIL or integrated simulation/test environments and Linux‑based development workflows (Git, etc.).
  • Experience operating in rapid development environments with tight iteration loops between simulation and test.

$220,000 - $340,000 a year

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.

Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment).

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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