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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Spanning Structures and Flight Sciences, Design and Stress, Mechanical Systems, Aircraft Systems, Systems Engineering and Certification, Test and Evaluation, and Product Innovation, the Department ...

We are seeking a test engineer to develop and execute test approaches for lunar surface systems across early R&D, prototype development, environmental verification, and flight hardware qualification.

Lunar Surface Test Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a test engineer to develop and execute test approaches for lunar surface systems across early R&D, prototype development, environmental verification, and flight hardware qualification.

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and ... Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and ... Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and ... Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Develop, test, and deploy mission-critical flight software in C/C++. * Implement guidance ... Collaborate with hardware engineers to define system architecture and interfaces. Requirements * B.

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.5K

$153.5K

$232.2K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Seattle, WA is $153,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,100.00 and $182,100.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,502 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Flight Test Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Boeing

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 604 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Flight Test Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) is seeking a Flight Test Engineer (Experienced or Senior) to support our Flight Test Engineering Analysis Autoflight team in Seattle, WA.

Our engineers plan and complete testing of Boeing commercial and military derivative aircraft to assure product safety, performance, and regulatory certification. You will lead extensive test program efforts from incorporation of requirements through flight test execution and reporting. Core functions include test planning, configuration control, test conduct, and data collection and analysis. If you have experience with these functions, or more specifically with flight management systems (FMS) or flight control laws design, we'd like to discuss your interest in joining our team.

This position will operate primarily out of Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington on 1st shift. Periodic shift change may be required to support program objectives, including overlap before and after 1st shift and weekend work during test execution and occasionally during test preparation.

There will be assignments requiring testing at local, domestic, and international sites for as much as 2-4 weeks at a time. Ability to participate on these remote testing trips is required.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Supports the development and verification of test methods; develops detailed test procedures, instrumentation, and configuration definition needed to perform testing
  • Implements solutions to calibration systems problems of limited scope and impact
  • Designs test hardware, software and systems to achieve test requirements
  • Uses analytical tools to verify the design
  • Analyzes, processes, and formats data to customer requirements
  • Reviews test data, including off-nominal data, for accuracy, quality and/or fidelity prior to delivery to customer
  • Prepares and publishes test reports to document test results and satisfy requirements
  • Presents test results internally
  • Archives data and reports
  • Trains others
  • Works under general direction

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • 1 year of experience in developing, integrating, testing, and certifying Flight Management Systems and Flight Deck Displays

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Level 4: 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Have a private or commercial pilot license
  • Experience with one or more of the following areas: automatic flight controls or sensors, autopilot system, flight deck displays, navigation/radios, flight management systems
  • Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse engineering team to establish a consensus on complex technical issues

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range:

Level-3: $111,350-$150,650

Level-4: $135,150-$182-850

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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