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

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AI Software Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Responsibilities : • Design, build, test, deploy, and maintain production software and services ... engineer you are accountable for, never an oracle. • Integrate third-party APIs and external ...

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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.
Space Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Space Principal/ Sr. Principal Engineer Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Morrisville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Intelligence Systems Division, a division within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, redefining engineering capabilities, and driving advances in various sciences through cutting-edge technology. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, and innovative technologies to develop, design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Integrator in the Intelligence Systems Division Engineering organization supporting our Intelligence and Sensing Business Unit (BU) to support a program out of our Fairfax, VA, or Morrisville, NC locations.

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Integrator with expertise in ground software systems, integration, and testing. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the verification of ground software systems and integrating key mission-critical technologies. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge space systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Site Hardware deployment, integration, checkout and test through verification complete

Experience with Satellite Ground SW system verification including Command and Control and Space vehicle mission management

Experience with Python

System architecture understanding - ability to comprehend how various components interact and identify potential integration points

Scripting and automation expertise - proficiency in create and maintaining automated test scripts used for verification testing

Communication and collaborations - skill in clearly documenting issues and coordinating with developers across different teams to resolve interaction problems

Diagnostics reasoning - capability to analyze complex integration failures, diagnose software deficiencies through log analysis and debugging tools, trace root cause, and identify patterns across seemingly unrelated issues

This position may be filled at a higher job level based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Integrator.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Integrator:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's; 0 years of relevant experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Proven experience with ground software system verification, specifically related to Command and Control (C2) and Mission Management (MM).

Strong background in integration and test efforts, including planning, execution, and documentation.

Expertise in testing tools and automation.

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to be cleared to get a CI Poly

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Systems Integrator:

Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience; 6 years of relevant experience with a Master's; 4 years of relevant experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Proven experience with ground software system verification, specifically related to Command and Control (C2) and Mission Management (MM).

Strong background in integration and test efforts, including planning, execution, and documentation.

Expertise in testing tools and automation.

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with the ability to be clearer to get a CI Poly

Preferred Qualifications:

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI poly

Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C, C++, and Java.

Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Visio and Cameo.

Familiarity with collaboration and lifecycle management tools, including JIRA, Confluence, and Bitbucket.

Knowledge of Systems Tool Kit (STK) for mission simulation and analysis.

Experience with Agile program execution, including sprint planning, backlog management, and iterative development.

Working knowledge of Gherkin/Cucumber testing frameworks for behavior-driven development (BDD).

Hands-on experience with version control systems like GitLab.

Understanding and use of container technologies (e.g., Docker/Kubernetes).

Familiarity with cloud technologies, especially AWS Cloud services.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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