1

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

Electrical Hardware Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

... engineering activities for several UAV platforms. This role will interface closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams to ensure timely and effective delivery of mission-critical ...

Networking Architect

Portland, OR · On-site

$68.75 - $92/hr

... Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFE/IFC) platforms. This role focuses on defining ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field. * 9+ ...

Harness Production Technician

Aurora, OR · On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

... of flight! Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept: * Harness Assembly: Fabricate and test ... Work closely with production engineers to develop, document, and implement new processes for ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

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:
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.

Head-up Guidance System Senior Software Engineer (Onsite)

Raytheon Technologies

Wilsonville, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-28
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-OR-WILSONVILLE-596 ~ 27500 SW Parkway Ave ~ BLDG 596
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62
Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required
Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
Have you ever tried to drive a car at night in the fog? Was it hard to navigate? Was it hard to stay on the road? Now imagine you are trying to land an airplane in the same conditions. That is what we every day in the Vision and Sensor Systems team. We are currently searching for a Software Engineer to join our Vision and Sensors System and Software engineering organization. Collins Head up Guidance System™ (HGS) provides pilots with crucial flight symbology on a Head up Display (HUD) to dramatically improve safety and capability for aircraft to land, takeoff, and navigate in degraded visual conditions.
What You Will Do:
  • You will develop and write software high-level and low-level requirements and design.
  • You will design, code, debug, and troubleshoot software solutions for the Collins Head-up Display.
  • You will develop high-level and low-level tests and provide structural coverage analysis to accurately test logic and functionality.
  • You will get to work with amazing architects and senior developers to create scalable, extensible, and sustainable solutions for current aircraft and clean sheet programs.
  • You will help develop and build CI/CD pipelines, working with DevOPS, for streamlined and effective deployments, troubleshoot build issues and support deployments.

What You Will Learn:
  • You will get exposure to research that will enhance your technical acumen, user groups and professional development.
  • You will gain industry experience, working through the complete software lifecycle. Working a program from planning, development, verification, and program certification, where your software goes out into the world.
  • You will take flight through tech tracks and fellow programs that enable you to be a strong individual contributor, an expert in your field or even take on a role in leadership.

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field
  • Experience in writing software requirements, software design and implementation, functional and integration testing, writing test cases and test procedures, and software delivery support.
  • Effective and easily-engaged communicator.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively lead project teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and develop solutions.
  • Energetic and proactive self-starter that builds sound, collaborative relationships.
  • C / C++ programming experience.
  • Proficiency with modern software development best practices and configuration management tools.
  • Strong background in development of low-level software and concurrent processing solutions.

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Experience with DO-178B/C (DAL A preferred)
  • Experience with real-time operating systems
  • Experience with designing architectures

Role Type
*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world - and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.
What We Offer
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.
And more!
Learn More and Apply Now!
Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form - with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms