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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Altius UAS platform. Altius is a Group 2/3 ...

Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware). * Test duties ...

Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware). * Test duties ...

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of ...

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of ...

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of ...

UAS Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$84K - $95K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone systems, and providing critical insights and improvements for our ...

UAS Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$84K - $95K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will be an individual contributor responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone systems, and providing critical insights and improvements for our ...

Flight Test Operator

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

Work with Test Engineers on a variety of operational tasks that enable engineering, such as flight execution, material prep, or supporting test profiles by participating in our demonstrations ...

DevOps Engineer - Flight Software

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50.75 - $69.50/hr

... Engineer to support the development, integration, and deployment of flight software systems. The ... Flight Test on various Cloud and HW testbeds including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in ...

C-5M Flight Engineer

Marietta, GA · On-site

$99K - $175K/yr

You will be the C-5M Flight Engineer for the flight test team which is responsible for advancing advanced aircraft capabilities. What You Will Be Doing As the C-5M Flight Engineer you will be ...

You will be the C-5M Flight Engineer for the flight test team which is responsible for advancing advanced aircraft capabilities. What You Will Be Doing As the C-5M Flight Engineer you will be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Test Engineer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$41.8K

$129.7K

$196.2K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Atlanta, GA is $129,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $153,900.00 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 engineers with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or defense contractors are more likely to reach this compensation level.

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.

How hard is it to become a flight test engineer?

Becoming a flight test engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, along with experience in aircraft systems and testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of flight operations, and familiarity with testing protocols are essential, and obtaining certifications like the FAA's pilot or test pilot license can be beneficial. The role often involves rigorous training and safety procedures, making it a challenging but achievable career path for qualified engineers.

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 with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense companies.

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 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 regulations. 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 standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
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What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,712 per year, or $62.4 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

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Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 

The Test and Evaluation team at Anduril plays a crucial role in our mission, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our team conducts full system level development testing, new production acceptance testing, software validation testing and much more. This position is looking for a highly motivated flight test engineer with emphasis in software/hardware capability development and evaluation for the Altius UAS platform. Altius is a Group 2/3 autonomous vehicle specializing in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. You will be responsible for the evaluation of the software and hardware capabilities for operational suitability as well as Altius's integration into the full suite of Anduril systems to complete complex operations.
What you'll do

  • As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware).
  • Test duties include:
  • Candidate will support and plan test events conducted at test sites as required by the specific test.
  • Configuration management of test owned assets. This includes specific to test configuration management (hardware components, specific payloads, software/firmware configuration) as well as fleet management (facilitate and track required maintenance, planning/assigning asset requirements for current testing and future efforts).
  • Generation of evaluation test plans and reports focusing on system functionality and suitability of software and hardware integration efforts. In addition to technical test planning, planning includes safety (risk, hazards, develop mitigations) and logistical (available hardware, airspace, personnel resources, timeline/scheduling).
  • Generate and execute test cards, conduct pre and post flight briefings, and manage test events with diverse support teams (pilots, engineering subject matter experts (SME), operations). Testing execution will include operating Altius when conducting system evaluation testing.
  • Collaborate with SMEs and cross functional teams within the business line through development and production testing, reporting of test findings, and test status. This includes adjudication of testing tasks and characterization of issues, observations, and detailing results.
  • Interface daily with hardware and software engineering teams.
  • Collect metrics for flight test events to include sortie information and delays.

Required Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly; apply them accurately; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Must play in active role in strengthening communication channels both within the team and externally (engineering, program leadership, operations).
  • Methodical, thorough, and detail oriented.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas.
  • Willingness to learn new skills and concepts.
  • Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems certification.
  • Current or able to acquire an FAA 14 CFR Part 61: Certification Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors (ground test complete is the ONLY requirement).
  • Previous experience or working knowledge of National Airspace and UAS operating guidelines and regulations.
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to travel as required for planning and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong software and documentation experience; familiarity with Linux based operating systems, networking, ssh, and command line.
  • 3+ years flight test engineering or system level testing experience.
  • Knowledge and experience with Group 2/3 fixed wing systems
  • Experience working DOD programs.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


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Hours and flexibility

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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