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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Pooler, GA (NOW HIRING)

The Structures Company

Avionics Engineer

Savannah, GA · On-site

$120/hr

Performs cross-functional development and critical analysis with organizations internal and external to Engineering including Flight Test, Program Management, and Suppliers. * Plans research and ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Pooler, GA salary details

$39.5K

$122.5K

$185.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Pooler, GA is $122,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,800.00 and $145,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, including experienced Flight Test Engineers working in the aerospace industry, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and extensive experience. High-level engineers with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or defense contractors are more likely to reach this compensation level.

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.

How hard is it to become a flight test engineer?

Becoming a flight test engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, along with experience in aircraft systems and testing. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of flight operations, and familiarity with testing protocols are essential, and obtaining certifications like the FAA's pilot or test pilot license can be beneficial. The role often involves rigorous training and safety procedures, making it a challenging but achievable career path for qualified engineers.

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 industry sector. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense companies.

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 Flight Test Engineers?

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 do flight test engineers do?

Flight test engineers design, plan, and oversee testing of aircraft and aerospace systems to evaluate performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. They analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with pilots, engineers, and manufacturers using specialized tools and instrumentation. Their work often involves testing in controlled environments and requires knowledge of aerodynamics, systems integration, and safety standards.
More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pooler, GA? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Pooler, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Pooler, GA are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Pooler, GA with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Pooler, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,546 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Flight Dynamics Engineer - Tech Spec I

Flight Dynamics Engineer - Tech Spec I

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Savannah, GA

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Gulfstream Aerospace rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 182 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Flight Dynamics Engineer - Tech Spec I in  GAC Savannah


Unique Skills:

Gulfstream is seeking an experienced Flight Dynamics Engineer to join our Flight Sciences team and help lead the charge in creating and delivering the world’s finest aviation experience. In this role you’ll get to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team of test pilots, engineers, and other specialists—including some of the industry’s leading experts— to help develop the next generation of Gulfstream products.

Candidates with additional applicable experience may be eligible for a higher-level position (Technical Specialist II or III)

What you’ll be doing:

  • Planning, executing, and reducing data for wind tunnel test campaigns
  • Building and refining high-fidelity aerodynamic simulation models using wind tunnel, CFD, and other data sources
  • Supporting flight test campaigns, including pre-test planning, real-time telemetry monitoring, and post-flight data evaluation
  • Updating and validating aerodynamic simulation models using flight data and parameter/system identification techniques
  • Enhancing and expanding our simulation framework and analysis tools
  • Conducting a wide variety of static and time-history-based analyses
  • Conducting tests and evaluating data from laboratory simulation sessions
  • Partnering with teams across Flight Sciences, Flight Test, Flight Operations, and other organizations
  • Ensuring aircraft maneuverability, favorable handling qualities, and controllability both for normal operations and in the presence of failures.
  • Supporting Functional Hazard Assessment analysis and testing and other related certification activities

Basic requirements:

  • Experience with a 14 CFR Part 23 or Part 25 certification program
  • Experience tuning aerodynamic models using wind tunnel, CFD, and flight test data
  • Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
  • Strong coding skills and software development practices
  • Effective project management and planning capabilities
  • Mentoring and teaching skills

The preferred candidate will have experience with:

  • Parameter/system identification techniques and analyses
  • Flight test operations and data analysis
  • Aircraft simulation environments
  • Handling Qualities Ratings (HQR) and Pilot‑Induced Oscillation (PIO) assessments
  • Fly-by-wire control law development
  • Machine learning and large-scale data analysis


 

Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. 5 ys in specific technical discipline or 10 yrs broad eng experience in several technical disciplines with Bachelors. Experience credit considered for related adv degrees limited to 2 yrs for Masters, 4 yrs for PhD in fields applicable to this job. Position Purpose: Assists with the planning, coordination, performance of design, analysis and liaison engineering supporting the development and production of Gulfstream products and services
Job Description
Principle Duties and Responsibilities: Essential Functions:
  1. Contributes to planning, developing and coordinating of important engineering projects .
  2. Provides specialized technical assistance to team members .
  3. Uses advanced techniques and modified extension of theories to provide technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems .
  4. Determines and develops own approach to solutions within schedule and cost objectives .
  5. Works under limited supervision; work should only be required. to be reviewed for accuracy and consistency with meeting overall objectives .
  6. Acts as liaison with representatives outside of the assigned group/area .
Additional Functions:
  1. Actively works to improve daily processes and ensures all work meets customer requirements .
  2. Maintains a current knowledge of developments in the field of specialty and/or other related aircraft fields in order to recommend innovations to improve quality and effectiveness of company product .
Perform other duties as assigned. Other Requirements:
  1. Advanced degree in engineering related field preferred.
  2. The level of technical skill and abilities appropriate for this grade will be established by each discipline.
This job requires one to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Additional Information

Requisition Number: 232262

Category: Engineering

Percentage of Travel: Up to 25%

Shift: First

Employment Type: Full-time

Posting End Date: 07/31/2026 

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

Gulfstream does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, unless the applicant is a currently sponsored Gulfstream employee.

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Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically-advanced business jet aircraft

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