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Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skyryse

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology through rigorous and continuous flight testing. In this role, you'll design and refine detailed test ...

Poseidon Aerospace

Flight Test Engineer

California, MO · On-site

As a Flight Test Engineer at Poseidon Aerospace, you will lead the planning, preparation, and execution of flight and ground test campaigns across all Poseidon Aerospace flight platforms . You will ...

MORSE Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

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 ...

Mobius

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Mobius is seeking a Flight Test Engineer. In this role, you will collaborate with other missile defense experts - military, government civilians, and contractors from Mobius and other companies. Our ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$173K - $219K/yr

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 the ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer

Eglin, FL · On-site

Develop and staff MOTs, test plans, CONOPS, flight test cards, interim/final reports, TEMPs, T&E strategies, and related documentation; coordinate across flight test engineers, instrumentation teams ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$173K - $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 ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $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 ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

Next Matter

Flight Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Flight Test Engineer As a Flight Test Engineer at Castelion, you will be working within the Test Operations and Logistics team to execute a rapid iterative development and test campaign. You will ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$173K - $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 Sep 14, 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 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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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA • On-site

Skyryse
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Skyryseexternal

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

We're on a mission to make the skies safe and accessible for everyone. Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather, and emergencies. Our SkyOS solution, rigorously and relentlessly developed by skilled and dedicated Skyrysers, is the key to unlocking this unbounded future. Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight.
FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA
We are advancing flight control and automation technology through rigorous and continuous flight testing. In this role, you'll design and refine detailed test plans and procedures, prioritizing flight safety at every stage. Working closely with our flight test team, you'll manage and operate flight instrumentation-often of your own design-to ensure accurate, successful test execution.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop Go/NoGo parameters and conduct post-flight data analysis; collaborate with the aircraft integration team to ensure instrumentation is safe for flight.
  • Support flight squawks creation and lifecycle ensuring proper documentation and closure.
  • Plan, organize, and lead data collection ground tests to support flight test campaigns.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with test flights, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards.
  • Support the execution of successful flight operations by communicating, setting test priorities and communicating them effectively.
  • Run flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs and post flight analysis using MATLAB / Simulink.
  • Complete all required documentation in accordance with established company procedures.
  • Analyze flight test data using advanced software tools to identify trends, anomalies, and potential issues; ensure accuracy in data collection methods and instrumentation calibration.
  • Work closely with GNC and Flight Test teams to support test campaigns.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's of Science in aerospace engineering, systems engineering or other engineering discipline.
  • 4+ years of professional working experience.
  • Experience working with flight test and Safety Management Systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's or PhD degree in aerospace engineering, systems engineering or other aerospace related field.
  • 6+ years experience as a Flight Test Engineer for civil or military aircraft with rotorcraft development preferred.
  • Experience writing flight test plans as part of a FAA certification program and generating reports from analyzed flight test data.
  • Proficient in analyzing and plotting flight test data using Matlab or similar tools and then generate appropriate formal report.
  • Understanding of flight instrumentation and signal processing techniques.
  • Passion for aviation and flight testing.
  • Previous experience working with handling qualities rating scale (HQRS).
  • Previous experience in rotorcraft helicopter flight characteristics and flight testing techniques.

WHY SKYRYSE?
  • The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility.
  • Salary: $120,000 - $150,000
  • Valuable stock option plan.
  • Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans.
  • Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually. PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
  • A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!

The posted salary range reflects the potential base pay for this role, adjusted to account for varying geographic markets. Final compensation will be based on factors such as your location, job-related skills, experience, and internal alignment, including equity and benefits.
WE WELCOME ALLSkyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Employment is contingent upon confirmation of authorization to export in accordance with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Export Administration Regulations.
NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.

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