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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Eden Prairie, MN (NOW HIRING)

North Wind

Program Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

Satellite engineering offices across the US are available so location constraints are potentially ... flight test articles, gas turbine test engines and other prototype devices. * Due to U.S. State ...

Wipaire Inc

Fire Boss Chief Pilot

South Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Tests and evaluates the performance of aircraft released from Maintenance or engineering test flight * Checks passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts, to ensure that weight and balance ...

Leidos

Principal Software Developer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities ... Provide support as needed for system engineering, test engineering, and system owner teams.

Leidos

Software Developer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities ... Write and execute unit and functional tests. * Troubleshoot and participate in the resolution of ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Eden Prairie, MN salary details

$44.4K

$137.7K

$208.2K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Eden Prairie, MN is $137,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,700.00 and $163,300.00 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.
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The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Eden Prairie, MN are:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Eden Prairie, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,667 per year, or $66.2 per hour.

Specialty Test Engineer

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 366 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Northrop Grumman Corporationexternal

$79K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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 Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Test Engineer (Level 2) to support our Armament Systems site in Plymouth, MN.
This site develops and produces medium and large-caliber ammunition as well as precision capabilities for direct and indirect fire systems. Leading the industry, this team successfully completes lifecycle support for medium-caliber cannons, develops miniature, precision strike weapons for airborne platforms, creates survivability solutions for soldiers and the next generation tactical ammunition for a variety of combat platforms.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure product quality by creating production test equipment for military/aerospace products. Includes programming, debugging, and deploying into production equipment that adjusts, calibrates and certifies device specifications.
  • Design, develop, and implement cost-effective methods of testing for Design Verification (DVT).
  • Maintain and update test equipment supporting functional board level and final acceptance testers. Support production floor test equipment.
  • Understand the functionality of several products to reduce test time or suggest additional tests. Participate in design reviews and design for testability.
  • Assist with fixture fabrication and ordering of parts and managing suppliers.
  • Prepare test and diagnostic programs, design test fixtures, instrument racks and equipment.
  • Compile data and define changes required in test equipment, test procedures, manufacturing processes, or test requirements.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or equivalent discipline & 2 years of related STE engineering experience, OR a Masters Degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering or equivalent
  • Ability to obtain and maintain government secret clearance after starting employment. (US Citizenship required)
  • Read/understand schematics, understand embedded software.
  • Digital and Analog Electronics experience to design circuitry for signal conditioning and isolation.
  • Proven Experience in programming languages.
  • Knowledge in Electrical and Functional Testers with: Interfaces, Pneumatic Systems, Communication protocols, PXI and GPIB instruments test platforms.
  • Work on-site with flexible work arrangement. Able to travel 10% of time (domestic).
  • Solid communication skills and ability to clearly establish verbal communication with remote audience.
  • Ability to manage multiple & concurrent tasks.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, team-oriented, self-motivated, leadership.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional team members.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment that is fast paced, rapidly changing, short turn-around environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering is highly desired.
  • Experience in LabVIEW programming language.
  • Experience with high-volume device assembly and PCB fabrication practices.
  • Experience designing test fixtures and product testing under high and low temperatures extremes.
  • Experience in ICT programming or board-level testing is a plus (Keysight i3070 preferable).
  • Green belt or experienced use of Six Sigma tools: DOE, R&R, MSE, DFSS is preferred.
  • PWB layout and design experience.
  • Python, C++ and OOP experience.

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00
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.
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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

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