ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Birmingham, AL (NOW HIRING)

TSMG

B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

As a B2 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, you will work alongside a dedicated team of engineers and ... the flight crew to ensure all avionics systems are functioning properly. * Calibrate and test ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Birmingham, AL

Flight Test Engineer information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$40.8K

$126.5K

$191.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Birmingham, AL is $126,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,900.00 and $150,000.00 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

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL?

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

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL are:

What cities near Birmingham, AL are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Birmingham, AL with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Birmingham, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,412 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Quality Assurance Engineer

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Relative Dynamics
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Relative Dynamicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.
Relative Dynamics Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance support primarily at supplier locations to perform quality surveillance activities and hardware quality assurance functions.
Periodic non-local travel is anticipated to accomplish delegated functions such as pre-cap inspections, technical or status interchange meetings (TIMs) or reviews, key supplier hardware inspections (government mandatory inspection points), project milestone reviews, and unplanned required travel as requested by the Quality Manager and/or CSO.
Work coverage may be required during evening and weekend shifts.
What You'll Get to Do:
The QE is responsible for reviewing processes such as:
  • Printed Circuit Board quality assessment
  • Workmanship including coatings
  • Soldering
  • ESD controls
  • Clean room activities and controls
  • Cable and harness fabrication
  • Contamination control
  • Parts and materials control
  • Control of drawings and procedures
  • Equipment moves (e.g. slings, cranes, and hydro sets)
  • Hazardous operations
  • Contractor responses to corrective action requests
  • Build records, end-item data packages
  • Delivery, storage and transport of flight and non-flight hardware, and critical ground support equipment (GSE)
  • Support Spacecraft transportation planning
  • Spacecraft readiness review(s); pre-ship to launch site
  • Spacecraft transport to launch site monitor; purge, battery health and dynamics
  • Launch site processing, Post-Ship Aliveness Testing, Anomaly Resolution, Site
  • Movements, Spacecraft Fueling, GSE Compliance, Spacecraft to Launch
  • Vehicle Adapter Final Torque verifications, Red/Green Tag verifications,
  • Ordnance installations, Final Closeouts, Final Fairing Installation Inspections

The QE will ensure that flight hardware and software anomalies, corrective actions, and re-verifications are documented in accordance with the developers� non-conformance and corrective action system. The QE will participate in production planning, when possible, review manufacturing flow plans and participate in Manufacturing and Test Readiness Reviews (MRRs and TRRs). The QE will monitor contractor quality and safety controls, and participate in quality assurance activities during fabrication, integration, and tests. The QE monitoring will apply to process implementations, product inspection during production, recording of key process data, witness of the set up (e.g., equipment check outs, safe connector mating, reconfiguring or moving mission hardware) and execution of key tests, supplier conformance with quality engineering and project management approval requirements (e.g., red-lines, approval to proceed, signing off on work orders), labs and personnel certifications, traceability of calibration certifications to calibration plans, capture of test results and instances of product or process nonconformance, protection of product, isolation and preservation of non-conforming items to assure effective root cause or failure analysis, and witnessing of close calls or mishap events.
The QE will perform inspections which may include:
  • Pre-cap inspection of hybrid micro circuits and electronic boxes.
  • 100% solder joints prior to conformal coating of each flight printed wiring assembly prior to conformal coating.
  • 100% of conformal coatings on flight printed wiring assemblies.
  • Final workmanship inspection prior to box level final closure prior to integration into the next level of assembly.
  • Connector mates to mission hardware integrated into the spacecraft.
  • General workmanship quality prior to final acceptance testing.
  • General workmanship prior to shipment.
  • Confirm shipping packaging conforms to requirements and is adequate.

What You'll Need:
  • Fifteen (15) + years� experience in manufacturing, assembly and/or quality assurance of space flight hardware.
  • Experience working/supporting critical path FRB's for a previous NASA project.
  • Experience, and be able to perform for long hours, in a cleanroom environment and able to spend long periods of time standing in the cleanroom.
  • Familiar with supplier quality management operations, requirements flow-down and compliance, and performance data accumulation and analysis tools and techniques.
  • Familiar with ISO 9001 and AS9100.
  • Experience preferably at NASA with direct working experience with the following standards and requirements:
  • IPC J-STD-001ES/FS (Soldering, Space Addendum)
  • NASA-STD-8739.1 (Staking and Conformal Coating)
  • NASA-STD-8739.4 or IPC/WHMA-A-620xS (Crimping, Cables & Wiring)
    ANSI/ESD 20.20 (Electrostatic Discharge)
  • NASA-STD-8739.6 (Workmanship Implementation Standard)

Required Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have good working knowledge of the full suite of Microsoft Office and the ability to remotely access GSFC database and other online knowledge management tools (e.g., Meta). They must possess diplomatic sensitivities relative to programmatic risk management and contractual relationships, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a technical problem-solving background with strong analytical skills. The QE must be able to work side-by-side with other mission assurance personnel (e.g., Prime Contractor, subcontractors, GSFC civil servants, GSFC contractors, DCMA). The assigned QE must have familiarity with the applicable Project MAR and the technical quality standards invoked therein.
What You Won't Do:
  • Feel stuck as we offer great opportunities to advance and learn
  • Feel like a number as we're a close-knit bunch and always have each other's backs

Who You Are:
  • A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
  • A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge
  • A reliable worker who knows the importance of showing up when it counts
  • Accept assignments with open cooperative positive and team-oriented attitudes
  • Able to plan and execute plans across teams
  • Effective communicator both written and verbal

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.

Apply