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

Amazon

Satellite Test Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

We are looking for an entry level Satellite Test Engineer to help develop and execute testing to qualify new satellite designs for flight. This is a fast-paced, intellectually challenging opportunity ...

Constellation Space

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.

SpaceX

Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and ... Design and implement test and ground support equipment to include flight hardware interfacing ...

SpaceX

Hardware Test Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

HARDWARE TEST ENGINEER (STARLINK) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and ... Design and implement test and ground support equipment to include flight hardware interfacing ...

Aetherflux

Flight Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Design, develop, and test flight software in Rust for attitude and pointing state machines, command ... Mentor engineers on the team and review designs and code to raise overall software quality * Help ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFlight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Flight Test Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$49.5K

$153.6K

$232.3K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Seattle, WA is $153,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,100.00 and $182,200.00 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.

More about Flight Test Engineer jobs
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:
Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,589 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER (INTEGRATION & TEST)
The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates the systems used to validate the space lasers system as well as other optical payloads (imagers and transceivers) that are critical to Starlink satellite operations. As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems
  • Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
  • Automate optical test equipment and data collection
  • Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
  • Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing
  • Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data
  • Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests
  • Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
  • Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
  • Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
  • Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
  • Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
  • Strong sense of accountability and integrity
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted
  • Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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