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Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Wichita, KS (NOW HIRING)

SST Direct

Senior Structural Design Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$96K - $113K/yr

Design and support Flight Test engineering change requests and coordinate activities with work package owners. * Develop engineering documentation defining structural special instructions ...

Axius Group

Acoustics & Vibration Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Wichita, KS 67209 Engineering Professional - Acoustics & Vibration Location: United States ... Experience participating in ground and flight test campaigns * Experience analyzing test data and ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

See Wichita, KS salary details

$38.9K

$120.7K

$182.5K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in Wichita, KS is $120,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,400.00 and $143,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 employer. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with government agencies.
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The top searched job categories for Flight Test Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS are:

Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in Wichita, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,668 per year, or $58 per hour.

Flight Avionics Tech B

Cessna Aircraft Company

Wichita, KS • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform functional testing and troubleshooting of aircraft avionics and electrical systems to identify and repair malfunctions.

  • Follow aircraft orders, inspection records, schematic drawings, and engineering specifications to ensure systems meet flight operation requirements.

  • Adjust and calibrate systems such as auto pilots, flight directors, radios, weather radar, and EFIS systems during testing and flight operations.

Job description

Job Description - Flight Avionics Tech B (339667) Job Number: 339667

Textron Aviation has been inspiring the journey of flight for nine decades through the iconic and beloved Cessna and Beechcraft brands. We are passionate advocates of aviation, empowering people with the freedom of flight. As you join our legacy as a global leader in private aviation, you’ll have opportunities to try new fields, expand your skills and knowledge, stretch your abilities, and build your career. We provide a competitive and extensive total rewards package that includes pay and innovative benefits to support you and your family members – now and in the future, beginning day one. Your success is our success.

Job Summary

To functional test a variety of aircraft avionics and electrical systems and restore malfunctioning system to proper operation in compliance with engineering and flight test requirements. May be required to assist higher grade Technicians.

Job Responsibilities
  • Plans and performs a wide variety of functional testing and troubleshooting operations to determine cause of malfunctioning electrical and electronic systems used in production multiengine aircraft. Complex systems may develop unusual malfunctions which are corrected according to accepted methods and engineering requirements.
  • Works from aircraft orders, inspection records, schematic drawings, engineering specifications, oral and written instructions to assure that aircraft meets requirements for proper flight operation of systems such as auto pilots, flight directors, automatic direction finders, high frequency transmitters, radios, heating systems, weather radar, DME, transponders, EFIS systems and windshear.
  • Observes operation of electrical and electronic systems while aircraft is in flight or being tested on flight ramp. Adjusts GCUS and parallel generator voltages, compass directions, auto pilot headings and make other adjustments as required.
  • Uses aircraft orders and inspection records to determine systems requirements. Plans installation, functional testing and repair sequences for standard and optional equipment to complete work according to schedules. May contact plant supervision, engineering and avionics departments to arrange for delivery of shortage items and to obtain specifications for optional equipment. Works with vendor representative and/or engineering.
  • Takes corrective action to repair malfunctioning systems using a variety of test equipment and hand tools. Maintains clean working area.
  • Performs other related duties as required such as field or ramp taxi of aircraft.
  • Responsible for quality of own work.
Education

Must have a high school diploma, an equivalent certificate, or a bronze level WorkKeys certification, and knowledge of electrical and electronic principles. Ability to interpret schematic drawings, assembly blueprints and specifications is required.

Experience

Requires a minimum of 3 years diversified aircraft electrical and electronic installation and functional testing experience to have working knowledge of a wide variety of electrical and electronic systems.

Benefits

Join Textron Aviation’s Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Visit https://www.aircapitaloftheworld.com/taxcredits for more information on the tax credit.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

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