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

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 ...

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 ...

LIFEPORT LLC

Senior Structural Engineer

Woodland, WA

$102K - $138K/yr

... flight or ground operations imposed by static, dynamic, or thermal loads, due to operational or ... Consult with design personnel regarding results of analyses and need for additional analysis, test ...

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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 Jul 16, 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 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
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,046 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Senior UAS Training & Standardization Specialist

KH Aerospace

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) is an aerospace company specializing in long-endurance unmanned aerial platforms for a wide variety of industries. KHA supports a number of customers to carry out missions involving aerial reconnaissance, survey, communication relay and communications provisioning. Endurance, enabled by effective design, is key to these applications and KHA aircraft utilize cutting-edge aircraft design together with on-board intelligence to deliver value for these customers.

This position reports directly to the Manager of Training and Standardization .

The ideal person for this role possesses a deep operational expertise in (s)UAS flight operations, standardization, curriculum development and project management.What

This role serves as a senior pilot for operational procedures, flight area oversight, and technical integration.

The ideal candidate would be experienced in cross-functional engagement, engineering collaboration, flight test support, procedural standardization, interpersonal communication, fundamentals of instruction, team leadership principals, and in creating safe, compliant, mission-ready, staff and operations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • UAS Flight Operations Leadership

  • Operational Standardization & Audits

  • Risk Management & Safety Programs

  • Site Management & Flight Area Oversight

  • Engineering & Flight Test Coordination

  • Mission Planning & Briefing

  • Technical Publications Review

  • Knowledge of Emerging UAS Technologies and current market landscape

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

UAS Operations

  • Maintain proficiency and currency with all of KHA's emerging UAS technologies, regulatory changes, and operational best practices.

  • Hold and maintain all required certifications

  • Adhere to FAA regulations and guidelines, ensuring compliance during UAS operations and activities. Including but not limited to FAA Part 107, DOE Orders, restricted airspace protocols, and site procedures.

  • Support demonstrations, field missions, customer operations, collaborative experimentation and equipment testing. Examples of UAS operational duties include. Delivering near real-time aerial intelligence, integrating UAS data into customer systems, flight operations drills, and emergencies.

  • Assist with flight planning, pre/post-flight checks, risk assessments, and maintaining accurate maintenance and flight logs.

  • Perform routine maintenance, diagnostics, and software updates on UAS platforms and ground control systems.

  • Maintenance of your own personal flight records, active participation in training exercises, and maintain individual currency requirements.

  • Adhere to Integrated Safety Management (including SP 1-3100), attend required meetings, and maintain a clean, organized UAS hangar.

  • Travel up to 70%.

Standardization & Evaluation Support

  • Serve as a senior pilot authority for operational standards, flight procedures, and safety compliance.

  • Conduct periodic audits of flight areas to ensure adherence to company and regulatory requirements.

  • Develop, maintain, and standardize operational documentation and mission procedures.

  • Manage revision control for risk assessments, mission briefs, and operations guidance.

  • Lead or support updates to training content, instructional methods, and delivery standards.

  • Provide data-driven recommendations to the Standardization & Training Manager to enhance operational performance

Subject Matter Expert Support

  • Work cross-departmentally with key stakeholders to stay current on emerging technologies and configuration updates.

  • Act as pilot subject matter expert for engineering, providing operational insight on new technologies and system capabilities.

  • Serve as lead liaison for engineering flight test requests, coordinating operational support and risk mitigation.

  • Collaborate with technical publications teams to assist in accuracy and operational relevance of pilot-facing documentation.

  • Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 4 years of directly related experience

  • Deep understanding and proficiency Defense related UAS products

  • Strong attention to detail with strict adherence to operational and safety protocols

  • Experience in conducting demonstrations, field operations, Initial qualification training and evaluations, curriculum development, and equipment testing

  • Knowledge of UAS technology, airspace regulations, and industry best practices

  • Excellent communication and instructional skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to trainees

  • Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in UAS operations

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Military Experience

  • FAA Part 107 SUAS Remote Pilot

  • FAA Part 61 Pilot

  • 5+ years of directly related experience

  • Secret Clearance (or eligible)

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc. ("Company") collects and uses Personal Information (as defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 ("CCPA")) for human resources, employment, health and safety, and business-related purposes and to be in legal compliance. For more information, please read the full notice.

If you are an EU applicant, by sharing your personal information with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc. you hereby (a) acknowledge and consent to the international transfer of your personal information to the United States, despite the risks associated due to the absence of an adequacy decision and appropriate safeguards, and (b) acknowledge that you have carefully read and understood this notice.

EEO Statement

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.