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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Robotics Research Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The lab designs, builds, and field-tests multicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and other small UAS ... Facilities include a brand new indoor flight arena with motion capture, and access to Lake Wheeler ...

EXCLUSIVE JETS LLC

AI Software Developer

Raleigh, NC

... flight-time estimation, and fleet/demand optimization), diagnosing real production issues, and ... Design, build, test, deploy, andmaintainproduction software and services for internal and customer ...

EXCLUSIVE JETS LLC

AI Software Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... flight-time estimation, and fleet/demand optimization), diagnosing real production issues, and ... Design, build, test, deploy, and maintain production software and services for internal and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Flight Test Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$42.3K

$131.1K

$198.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Raleigh, NC is $131,111.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $155,500.00 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.
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,111 per year, or $63 per hour.
Systems Engineer | Sensors and Systems

Systems Engineer | Sensors and Systems

BETA Technologies

Raleigh, NC

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Systems Engineer will work as part of the team developing and testing BETA's electric aircraft and supporting systems. As a Systems Engineer on the Sensors and Systems Team, you will be responsible for supporting aircraft level testing, Iron Bird testing, integration of new system components, and the development and design of electric aircraft. You will play a key role in the support of the flight control systems, testing, and integration.

How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation:

  • Assist in system functional test planning and execution, review results and prepare detailed test reports on the Iron Bird Test Environment.
  • Support system requirements development.
  • Define, capture, and analyze interface definitions and facilitate HW/SW integration efforts.
  • Assist in the development of aircraft documentation.
  • Create interface control documentation.
  • Manage problem reports and track issues discovered during testing and verification.
  • Prepare briefing materials for technical meetings and program reviews.
  • Create documentation and artifacts to support aircraft certification.
  • Assess system and component-level requirements to determine applicable test equipment categories, test methods and procedures.
  • Use standard lab probing and troubleshooting test equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
  • 1-2 years of experience in an aerospace systems development lifecycle.
  • Excellent report writing skills, attention to detail and thoroughness.

Above and Beyond Qualifications:

  • Well versed with MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Experienced with inertial sensing, communication protocols, wireless communications.
  • Advanced Degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with flight controls or autonomous systems.
  • Experience doing hardware verification and testing per DO-160, MIL-STD-810 or MIL-STD-461.
  • Flight controls system design and engineering experience.
  • Flight testing and/or system-level Ironbird/lab testing experience.
  • Hands-on experience building and assembling system test setups.
  • Experience working within GIT version control or other configuration management practices.
  • Skilled with Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word).
  • Pilot's license or passion for aerospace and/or aviation.
  • Flight test experience.

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