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

Mobius

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Mobius is seeking a Flight Test Engineer. In this role, you will will serve as an Advisory and Assistance Services contractor providing programmatic, technical, analytical and execution support to ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

Jobless

Flight Test Engineer, Sr level

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

The Senior Flight Test Engineer leads the planning, execution, and analysis of complex flight test programs to verify aircraft performance, airworthiness, mission capability, and regulatory ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$43.1K

$133.7K

$202.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Huntsville, AL is $133,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $158,600.00 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

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

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

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

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Huntsville, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,905 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Flight Test Engineer to provide critical weapon system and missile testing expertise. The selected candidate will provide critical engineering oversight, independent technical assessments, and program coordination across the lifecycle of target vehicle programs-from requirements definition through design, integration, and live flight test execution. The primary objective is to help the Government Lead produce required documentation (range, flight safety, mission planning, logistics, operations requirements...etc.) identify technical risks, verify prime contractor performance, and ensure successful mission outcomes. This position demands a high degree of flexibility, technical acumen, and the readiness to travel both domestically and internationally to support vital Department of War (DoW) testing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist government lead in drafting, reviewing and finalizing rigorous objective evidence, test plans, schedules, safety packages, and specialized range documentation.
  • Provide comprehensive flight test engineering expertise across multiple programs; capable of serving as a Test Director, when required, to guide mission execution.
  • Aid in test event planning, test design, and live execution phases of flight test.
  • Provide agile engineering support across multiple concurrent programs, maintaining flexibility to meet shifting mission schedules and priorities.
  • Coordinate technical requirements for the targets group to meet customer expectations and associated requirements of test ranges, test assets, and participants across the DoW, and support contractors.
  • Apply technical expertise to assess range, system, and technology project readiness, directly advising senior government leadership on overall test readiness.
  • Prepare detailed mission execution schedules, coordinate complex logistics, and proactively track program risks and mitigation status.
  • Interface professionally with external government agencies, range organizations, and prime development contractors.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 8 to 15 years of related aerospace, defense, or flight test engineering experience.
  • Proven, hands-on experience in missile flight testing and integration operations.
  • Required Technical Skills
  • Direct experience testing at major test ranges, including but not limited to:
  • White Sands Missile Range (WSMR)
  • Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF)
  • Proven proficiency with the Universal Documentation System (UDS), including the development of Program Requirements Documents (PRD) and Operation Requirements (OR).
  • Experience with flight readiness reviews, mission readiness reviews, and technical briefing materials for senior leadership decision-making.
  • Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
  • Professional & Operational Requirements
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%, including the flexibility to support international travel and testing events.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities across multiple active projects.
  • Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to brief mid-to-upper-level government managers with high professionalism.

Security Clearance Requirements
Clearance Level: Must possess and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
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