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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Carson Helicopters

R&D Engineer

Perkasie, PA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Support flight test activities as necessary up to and including on-aircraft data collection Lead ... other engineering discipline4+ years of experience with complex, multi-disciplinary structural ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

King Of Prussia, PA

... digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test ... Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis ...

Carson Helicopters

R&D Engineer

Perkasie, PA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Position Title: R&D Engineer Department/Location: R&D/Pennsylvania Position summary: Carson ... Support flight test activities as necessary up to and including on-aircraft data collection * Lead ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test ... Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis ...

Carson Helicopters

R&D Engineer

Perkasie, PA

Position Title: R&D Engineer Department/Location: R&D/Pennsylvania Position summary: Carson ... Support flight test activities as necessary up to and including on-aircraft data collection * Lead ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

... digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test ... Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test ... Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis ...

Leidos

Flight Dynamicist

King Of Prussia, PA · On-site

... digital engineering environments, and hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop test ... Support flight test planning, pre-flight predictions, post-flight reconstruction, and data analysis ...

DELTA INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC

Senior FPGA Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll work on mission-critical products used in flight test, missile test, range safety, and space applications. This is a hardware focused engineering role, not a software only position. Candidates ...

Curtiss-Wright

Senior Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Hardware Engineer Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to ... flight test centers, spacecraft, missile programs, and commercial and business jets. Key products ...

Curtisswright

Senior Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Hardware Engineer Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to ... flight test centers, spacecraft, missile programs, and commercial and business jets. Key products ...

Orgro

Systems Engineer

Mount Laurel, NJ

Flight-test or lab-test experience * Participation in engineering reviews such as SETRs * Experience working within government or defense programs Don't check every box? We'd still like to talk.

Curtisswright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Principal Hardware Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the design ... flight test centers, spacecraft, missile programs, and commercial and business jets. Key products ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Flight Test Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$41.6K

$128.9K

$195K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $128,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,800.00 and $152,900.00 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.

More about Flight Test Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

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For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

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Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,913 per year, or $62 per hour.

Flight Control Engineer

Innovative Solutions & Support

Exton, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

  • Develops, analyzes, and supports aircraft flight control systems, including manual flight controls, stability augmentation systems, and autopilot / flight director functions.
  • Provides technical expertise in control law development, analysis, and tuning, ensuring stable, robust, and compliant system behavior across the aircraft operating envelope.
  • Applies flight dynamics and control theory to support system architectures, requirements development, and performance optimization.
  • Collaborates closely with avionics, software, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of flight control functionality.
  • Participates in the design, validation, and verification of autopilot modes, guidance laws, and control system interfaces.
  • Assists in the development and review of system requirements, control system specifications, and interface documents.
  • Supports system analyses including handling qualities, stability margins, failure responses, and flight control system performance assessments.
  • Contributes to system safety analyses related to flight control functions, including fault detection, redundancy, and failure effects.
  • Supports simulation, lab, and flight test activities, including pre-flight readiness, test planning, data review, and control law refinement.
  • Tracks assigned engineering tasks, reports status, and supports root-cause investigations related to flight control performance issues.

Performs specialized engineering tasks with moderate supervision, demonstrating independent technical judgment within defined project scope
Requirements
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • BS, MS or PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Approximately 5 years of experience in an avionics, flight controls, or aircraft systems engineering role.
  • Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory, including stability, feedback control, and control system tuning.
  • Solid understanding of aircraft flight dynamics, handling qualities, and control surface behavior.
  • Experience with autopilot system design, evaluation, or tuning is required.
  • Familiarity with model-based design, simulation environments, or control analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent).
  • Working knowledge of avionics systems and software development processes, including exposure to DO-178C principles.
  • Ability to read and understand system schematics, block diagrams, and avionics interfaces.
  • Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., IBM DOORS) is a plus.
  • Demonstrated understanding of aircraft systems integration and interfaces.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Pilot license and/or flight test exposure is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to see and manipulate small parts and documentation.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, or stretch consistent with a typical engineering office role.
  • Must be able to lift and carry components up to 30 lbs.
  • Must be able to participate in aircraft ground and flight test activities.
  • Must be able to operate computer equipment for analysis, simulation, and documentation.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Learn Company products and applicable flight control architectures within six (6) months.
  • Learn Company procedures and engineering processes within three (3) months.
  • Acquire working knowledge of the IA Quality System within three (3) months.
  • Maintain a growing understanding of technologies relevant to flight control and avionics systems, including aircraft interfaces, sensors, actuators, and embedded software.
  • Gain familiarity with certification standards and regulatory guidance applicable to flight control systems.

All IA positions may include duties beyond those outlined above. Employees are expected to raise questions regarding any task that may fall outside their physical or professional capabilities.
All IA associates are expected to take responsibility for personal and workplace safety, facility security, and protection of proprietary information and technologies.
U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENTS
Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
IA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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