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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Experis

Hardware Test Engineering Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

Role: Hardware Test Engineering Lead Work location: Portland, OR Background and Meet and Greet ... Experience with IFE (in-flight entertainment) or aerospace hardware testing * Familiarity with ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

... test, and flight integration. This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in ... You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical ...

IRPI LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

... test, and flight integration. This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in ... You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR

$108K - $142K/yr

... test, and flight integration. This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in ... You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

... test, and flight integration. This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in ... You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical ...

IRPI

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

... test, and flight integration. This is not a narrow specialist role, and it demands range in ... You'll work closely with principal engineers and program leads, and serve as a key technical ...

IRPI

Engineering Technician

Wilsonville, OR

$29 - $41/hr

Your Mission As an Engineering Technician, you'll be the hands-on backbone of our lab. Working ... directly in the test data and flight hardware our team delivers to NASA and commercial space ...

IRPI

Engineering Technician

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$29 - $41/hr

Your Mission As an Engineering Technician, you'll be the hands-on backbone of our lab. Working ... directly in the test data and flight hardware our team delivers to NASA and commercial space ...

IRPI

Engineering Technician

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$29 - $41/hr

Your Mission As an Engineering Technician, you'll be the hands-on backbone of our lab. Working ... directly in the test data and flight hardware our team delivers to NASA and commercial space ...

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All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Flight Test Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$46.1K

$143K

$216.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Portland, OR is $143,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,900.00 and $169,700.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,046 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Hardware Test Engineering Lead

Experis

Portland, OR • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Role: Hardware Test Engineering Lead
Work location: Portland, OR
Background and Meet and Greet: MANDATORY
Job Description:
Seeking a Technical Lead to own end-to-end test fixture design, including architecture, breakout cabling, configuration optimization, and vendor coordination, while leveraging modern software-based testing approaches. This role ensures fixtures are built for efficient use of limited lab space, easy access, and maintainability, while remaining flexible enough to support multiple test configurations. The lead will establish standardized designs and partner with vendors to ensure timely, high-quality execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Test Fixture Architecture & Design

  • Design breakout cabling and configuration layouts for test fixtures
  • Optimize fixture designs for efficient use of limited lab space
  • Establish standardized fixture designs for reuse across multiple test configurations
Vendor Coordination & Execution
  • Partner with vendors to ensure timely, high-quality fixture builds
  • Coordinate vendor timelines and deliverables
  • Conduct quality reviews of vendor-built fixtures
Standardization & Lab Space Optimization
  • Ensure fixtures are built for easy access and maintainability
  • Support multiple test configurations through flexible fixture design
  • Leverage modern software-based testing approaches to streamline fixture usage.

What are the Mandatory skills and skill proficiencies required for this position?
Qualifications include:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree or relevant coursework in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Specialized knowledge: Test fixture design, breakout cabling/harness architecture, lab equipment integration
  • Skills: Strong understanding of software-based testing approaches; ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams
  • Professional certification: None required
  • Experience: 5+ years in test fixture design, hardware validation, or a related engineering role, including vendor management experience
  • Ability to lift/move test equipment up to 25-35 lbs
  • Ability to work in a lab environment for extended periods, including standing/bending to access fixtures
  • Manual dexterity for cable routing and connector assembly"

What are the Optional skills and skill proficiencies for this position?
  • Experience with IFE (in-flight entertainment) or aerospace hardware testing
  • Familiarity with scripting/automation for test processes
  • Experience working with international vendors or manufacturing partners"

If this is a role that interests you and you’d like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you!

About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of:  Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2022 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.

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