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Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

As Flight Test Engineer at MORSE, you are a critical member of the team taking vehicles from concept to flight leading fast-paced, iterative, and rigorous test campaigns managing both local and ...

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or have previous experience within a flight test engineering organization. Product specific development and training will be ...

Overview Flight Test Engineer JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret Astrion is seeking an intermediate level Flight Test Engineer to support Missile ...

Overview Flight Test Engineer JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret Astrion is seeking an intermediate level Flight Test Engineer to support Missile ...

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or have previous experience within a flight test engineering organization. Product specific development and training will be ...

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$173.70K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

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Flight Test Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

How much do flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 specifications. They analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and work closely with pilots, engineers, and manufacturers using specialized tools and instrumentation. Their role ensures aircraft meet regulatory standards before commercial or military deployment.

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 cities are hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Flight Test Engineer jobs? The top employers for Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Engineer jobs? For Flight Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 17% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Sceye, Inc.

Moriarty, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Flight Test Engineer
Location: Moriarty, NM
Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations
Who Are We:
Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms. Our lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (LTA HAPS) are capable of maintaining position over an operational area in the stratosphere (altitudes of 18 - 21km). They can carry multiple telecommunications, imaging and remote sensing payloads, providing unique functionality, cost, environmental and societal advantages.
Our HAPS be deployed in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure solutions. This makes them an ideal solution for providing telecommunications connectivity, emergency solutions in the event of natural or other disasters, environmental and infrastructure monitoring, Earth observation and a range of defense applications.
Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you to join us at the stratospheric edge of innovation. As part of our mission-driven team, you'll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we connect and observe the world. We are looking for individuals who bring not only deep expertise but also bold vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
About the Position:
Sceye is currently seeking a full-time Flight Test Engineer to join the Mission Operations Team. As Sceye expands, more test engineers are needed to perform Acceptance Testing of Sceye's High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) at the same time as actually flying HAPS that are already airborne. You will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and data delivery of ground testing prior to flight tests as well as helping with the planning and safe execution of flight tests themselves.
You will be expected to work across multiple teams as a cross-functional member of Sceye and be able to help identify hardware, software, and operational/procedural issues as they arise, as well as test and report on fixes to said issues. Additionally, you will be expected to help with mission planning and data analysis after flight tests/missions. You will be in a fast-paced environment, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
About the Position:

  • Test Design & Execution
    • Plan, execute, and document integrated ground and flight tests for Sceye's High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS).
    • Develop detailed test plans, procedures, test cards, and safety/hazard assessments.
    • Conduct Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and Safety Review Boards (SRBs) to verify readiness for operations.
    • Execute stability and control, performance, and system-level tests across vehicle subsystems (powerplant, avionics, mechanical, electrical, etc.).
    • Provide real-time judgment on test acceptability and post-test pass/fail assessments.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
    • Process, analyze, and summarize ground and flight test data to support requirement verification and compliance documentation.
    • Generate post-test summaries, flight test reports, and detailed analysis packages for stakeholders.
    • Collaborate with system engineers to interpret results and identify hardware, software, or procedural improvements.
  • Mission Planning & Operations
    • Assist with mission planning for concurrent HAPS flight and acceptance test operations.
    • Coordinate test resources, vehicle configuration verification, and operational readiness.
    • Conduct pre-flight briefings, real-time monitoring during operations, and post-flight debriefs.
    • Support safe and compliant execution of test missions under FAA and internal safety standards.
  • System Integration & Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Work closely with vehicle, avionics, and systems engineering teams to define test objectives and instrumentation needs.
    • Identify and troubleshoot system-level issues across hardware, software, and operational interfaces.
    • Support design and construction of test fixtures and sub-scale demonstrators as required.
  • Automation & Continuous Improvement
    • Support data-reduction automation through scripting and computational tools.
    • Assist in streamlining test workflows, documentation, and data handling pipelines.
    • Propose and implement process improvements to enhance test repeatability, traceability, and safety.
What We're Looking For:
  • Required:
    • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a physical science with an emphasis on collaborative lab work/research projects.
    • 5+ years of professional experience in aerospace ground and/or flight testing.
    • Demonstrated success planning, executing, and closing out integrated ground and flight tests.
    • Experience developing and maintaining test documentation (plans, procedures, reports, summaries).
    • Strong communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
    • Familiarity with standard hazard analyses and risk mitigation matrices.
    • Experience with data analysis or reduction through scripting or programming tools.
    • Ability to lead small test teams (3-10 people) effectively in fast-paced environments.
    • Positive, adaptable, and detail-oriented approach to problem-solving in multi-disciplinary teams.
    • Ability to document test results and generate post-test summaries and distribute data and information to different teams effectively.
  • Preferred / Nice to Have:
    • Hands-on experience with HAPS, UAVs, or large-scale flight test campaigns.
    • Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements verification, and requirement-to-test mapping.
    • Experience working with telemetry, ground control systems, or real-time data monitoring.
    • Knowledge of scripting or automation tools (Python, MATLAB, etc.) for test data processing.
    • Prior experience preparing and presenting at formal Test Readiness and Safety Review Boards
  • Desired Soft Skills:
    • Excellent organizational and analytical abilities.
    • Clear, confident communicator with cross-team collaboration skills.
    • Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple priorities concurrently.
    • Meticulous attention to detail in test documentation and data traceability.
    • Proactive problem-solver.
    • Willingness to take ownership and drive continuous improvements.
What We Offer: At Sceye, we're building more than high-altitude platforms-we're building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here's what you'll enjoy:
  • Chef-Prepared Lunches - Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
  • Snacks & Refreshments - Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
  • Wellness Perks - Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
  • Dog-Friendly Environment - Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered-and 100% for everything else.
  • 401(k) with Match - Company contributions that are yours from day one.
  • High-Performance Culture - Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us-we're happy to assist.