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

GE Aerospace

Jet Engine Test Mechanic

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$27.75 - $34.50/hr

Summary At GE Aerospace, we invent the future of flight, lift people up, and bring them home safely ... Partner with cross-functional teams including EHS, quality, engineering, planning, and materials to ...

Near Earth Autonomy

Software Integration Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$101K - $135K/yr

... flight is commonplace and safe. Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from sub-meter to ... Responsibilities and Duties The Integration Engineer will integrate and test autonomy software and ...

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

Flight Test Engineer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$42.2K

$130.9K

$198K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Pittsburgh, PA is $130,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $155,300.00 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

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

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

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,948 per year, or $63 per hour.

Flight Software Engineer

Near Earth Autonomy

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Flight Software Engineer 
Safety Critical Systems Group

Company Overview

Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe.  Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from sub-meter to full scale to autonomously inspect, map, survey, and transport. We are serious about system design, development, real-world testing, and delivering to customers working, useful systems. 
Position Overview
Near Earth Autonomy is looking for highly motivated individuals with a strong flight software background to help us realize the future of autonomous flight. We are looking for engineers with experience in the full software product lifecycle, including design, development, verification, and deployment.
Job Responsibilities and Duties

  • Design and develop flight software components to support various needs and domains enabling autonomous flight
  • Design, implement, and test software according to aerospace industry standards including DO-178C
  • Participate in contextualizing software development within the framework of ARP4754B, ARP4761A, and related standards
  • Participate and conduct design and code reviews
  • Develop and employ software verification tools
  • Implement and maintain software development and configuration control best practices to reliably deliver software
  • Work within a team of engineers to produce software systems that meet customer requirements

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent discipline and 5+ years of related experience
  • Experience developing and deploying software for embedded systems
  • Working knowledge of the C and/or C++ languages
  • Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms
  • Skilled in writing tests and designing for testability
  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience with Linux

Desired Experience

  • Prior experience with software development and verification per DO-178C or similarly rigorous processes
  • Experience developing software for real-time operating systems
  • Development of flight software
  • Development and testing of mobile robots, especially UAS
  • Use of Formal Methods for logic verification of software 
  • Experience building production-scale applications through at least one full development lifecycle

Benefits

  • Compensation compatible with qualification
  • Stock options
  • 401(k) plan
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid-time off and parental leave
  • Life insurance, long-term and short-term disability benefits

Due to the nature of Near Earth's funding, this position is restricted to US persons.

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