ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in California, MD

Flight Test Engineer information

See California, MD salary details

$41.7K

$129.3K

$195.5K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in California, MD is $129,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,100.00 and $153,300.00 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 cities near California, MD are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,258 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Systems Test Engineer/ Principal System Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Patuxent River, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS) has an exciting career opportunity for a Systems Test Engineer/ Principal System Test Engineer to join the Ground Segment team of qualified, diverse individuals in support of the MQ-4C Triton program test activities. This position will be located at NAS (Naval Air Station) Patuxent River, MD.
The Triton - MQ-4C ITT (Integrated & Test Team) is a US Navy & Northrop Grumman combined test team working together to ensure future capabilities are tested and evaluated in an efficient manner. The selected candidate will perform a variety of data collection and technical support services on the Triton Air vehicle and Ground Control Stations; and support the research and procurement of MQ-4C unmanned air vehicle components in direct support of life cycle sustainment.
Responsibilities include:
  • Interfacing with NGAS and customer Flight Test Engineers, Flight Test Conductors, Flight Crews, Ground Operations Technicians, and software development.
  • Interface between the US Navy and Northrop Grumman Ground Segment System Administrators, Responsible Engineers, Network Engineers, and Flight Test Engineers.

Responsibilities include:
  • Interfacing with NGAS and customer Flight Test Engineers, Flight Test Conductors, Flight Crews, Ground Operations Technicians, and software development.
  • Interface between the US Navy and Northrop Grumman Ground Segment System Administrators, Responsible Engineers, Network Engineers, and Flight Test Engineers.

Essential Functions:
  • Will act as a System Test Engineer, reporting to the PAX Triton ITT Ground Segment Manager for all ground segment related engineer testing, troubleshooting, and evaluation.
  • Responsible for engineering test execution/evaluation of system functional requirements to include Detailed Test Requirements, Acceptance Test Procedures, Request For Test (RFTs), and ground/flight test events.
  • Interface with multidiscipline team in the evaluation of new engineering modifications.
  • Provide engineering support for computing system deficiencies requiring team interaction with network, software, system engineers, systems administrators, and aircrew personnel.
  • Provide engineering level evaluation and reach back support for Triton Program Ground Segments as needed.
  • Provides analysis/feedback during engineering modification, maintenance, and ad hoc test planning.
  • Prepares Test Variances and Test Worksheets in accordance with engineering direction.
  • Responsible for providing engineering adjudication for Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals.
  • Develops strategies/improvements for test efficiency.
  • The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels.
  • The selected candidate will need either to be located at NAS Patuxent River or be willing to relocate to the NAS Patuxent River area.
  • Up to 25% of travel to support business needs in our CONUS and OCUNUS locations.

*This position may be filled at either level depending on experience*
Basic Qualifications for System Test Engineer:
  • A Bachelors Degree in a STEM discipline with 2 years of experience; or a STEM Master's degree with 0 years of experience

Basic Qualifications for Principal System Test Engineer:
  • A Bachelors Degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of experience or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience.

Basic Qualifications for Both Levels:
  • Must have an active U.S Government Secret clearance that is in-scope or currently enrolled in CE, with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time to meet business needs
  • Ability to obtain and maintain an active CI Polygraph within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Program Access within a reasonable amount of time for business needs
  • Experience with Windows and Linux Operating Systems
  • Ability to work odd shifts and occasional overtime as needed

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI/CI Poly clearance
  • Experience testing and evaluating computing systems in a networked environment
  • Currently valid Security+ CE, CASP, CISSP or similar security certification
  • Windows/Linux domain architecture experience
  • Windows AD, LDAP, VMWare, and knowledge of SAN storage systems
  • Rudimentary Scripting experience
  • Familiarity with XML, Java, C, and C#
  • Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, with internal and external customers, in written and oral format.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

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

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply