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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Melbourne, FL (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Melbourne, FL salary details

$40.3K

$125K

$189.1K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Melbourne, FL is $125,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,800.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL?

The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL are:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL?

For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Melbourne, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Melbourne, FL are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Melbourne, FL with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Melbourne, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,028 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Flight Test Engineering Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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 has an exciting career opportunity for a Flight Test Engineering Manager 2 to join our highly skilled team supporting SCS test and evaluation activities. This is a full-time work onsite position, located in Melbourne Fl.

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.


The SCS program requires a Flight Test Engineering and Functional Manager to lead a team of Flight Test Engineers supporting the Ground and Flight Test Team as well as the Integrated Test Team (ITT). This position requires knowledge of Flight Test operations in support of developmental air vehicle testing. Role responsibilities include leading and participating in all facets of flight test planning and execution in multiple areas including requirements development, test planning, test event preparation, and test coordination.

Specific positional responsibilities include:

  • Lead and engage with capability update working groups to include collaboration with the customer and the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) Development Triton Lead
  • Track and report detailed test metrics to NGC leadership and ensure unified ITT metrics. Maintain cognizance of test points per event and results following data review
  • Identify and coordinate remote engineering test execution support, as required
  • Review all ITT test plans for content and efficiencies.
  • Participate and attend Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) events as the NGC Flight Test representative
  • Participate in weekly Delayed Action Board (DAB) / Limitations Review Board (LRB) as the NGC Flight Test Lead representative
  • Test execution responsibilities may include conduct of ground and flight test in the role of a Test Director in the mission control room

Candidates must fully understand the role of flight test engineering, and the requisite organizational support in executing flight test programs. Candidates must be able to provide leadership and managerial direction to the NGC Flight Test and System Test Engineering Team on a tactical and strategic basis.

Additionally, candidates must be able to perform Flight Test Engineering functional duties and responsibilities. The selected candidate should have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills as well as oral and written communication skills.

Functional Manager responsibilities include working closely with the Flight Test Engineering Department Manager and fellow section managers to implement department and center initiatives, ensuring successful planning and execution of program test engineering activities, collaborating with programs to satisfy staffing needs and provide operations support (incident investigations, metrics collection and analysis, etc.), setting Talent + goals and providing regular performance feedback to 10-15 employees, supporting the annual salary review and promotion process, mentoring and developing the next generation of technical and project leadership, and improving and implementing test engineering processes and procedures. The Section Manager duties will require 10-20% of the manager's time.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 9 years of related professional experience OR a Master's Degree in STEM discipline AND 7 years of related professional experience
  • Minimum of 3 years in lead position
  • Minimum of 5 years combined experience in manned or unmanned air vehicle flight test
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in manned air vehicle flight test execution
  • Previous experience working in an Integrated Test Team
  • Previously qualified Test Director with control room experience
  • Experience and working knowledge of NAVINST 3960 test planning process
  • Experience leading a flight test engineering team
  • Experience with Earned Value Management
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $126,600.00 - $189,800.00The 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