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Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ursa Major

Flight Test Engineer

Berthoud, CO

$90K - $110K/yr

As a Flight Test Engineer, you'll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major's hypersonic products, supporting system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer ...

Mach Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS aircraft. You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads ...

MORSE Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

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 ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$103K - $114K/yr

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA

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 ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $149K/yr

As a flight test engineer, under minimal supervision, you will be responsible for test planning, execution, reporting, and evaluating the system under test (software and/or hardware). * Test duties ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended to identify and engage qualified candidates for anticipated future openings. Submission of an ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Engineers with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing. Primary work activities will take ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 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.
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Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Ursa Major

Berthoud, CO

$90K - $110K/yr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a talented, fast-learning individual to join our team as a Flight Test Engineer, playing a pivotal role in advancing Ursa Major's mission and supporting both internal and customer-driven flight campaigns. This role is essential in ensuring success from product delivery and contract execution through to the final stages of flight operations.

As a Flight Test Engineer, you'll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major's hypersonic products, supporting system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer programs, while also contributing to the development and execution of Ursa Major's own flight initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technology, solve complex challenges, and act as a key liaison between customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Support integration, checkouts, and static fire testing of hypersonic vehicles and propulsion
  • Ensure Test-Like-You-Fly practices during ground operations at our Berthoud campus
  • Author and execute procedures for checkouts, propellant load, and hotfire operations
  • Support the ground and flight operations of Ursa Major's missions
  • Participate in data review, failure investigations, and sequence preparation for static fire testing and flight
  • Coordinate with test ranges and external agencies to plan and execute flight test campaigns
  • Lead customer status updates and milestone reviews for both programmatic and technical content
  • Present and provide technical review in customer meetings and integration reviews
  • Become a subject matter expert on Ursa Major's hypersonic vehicle and propulsion systems
  • Travel to customer sites to lead product integration, support checkouts, and assist in test and flight campaigns
  • Conduct system data review to support fast-paced customer test campaigns
  • Troubleshoot system and component hardware issues in the field, develop solutions with the Ursa team and customer, and lead implementation
  • Identify and implement product improvements focused on customer needs, risk reduction, and end-use

Required Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Engineering
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Passion for developing customer relationships and ensuring mission success
  • Attention to detail, curiosity, and relentless in resolving problems
  • Hands-on experience with aerospace hardware
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, startup environment
  • Willing to spend 30% of the year on travel for multi-week test and flight campaigns

Desired Experience:

  • Master's degree in Engineering
  • Technical expertise in liquid rocket engine manufacturing, integration, or test
  • Technical expertise in vehicle stage systems and propulsion fluid systems
  • Flight or test operational experience
  • Strong understanding of aerospace industry standards and requirements
  • Experience in systems engineering and requirements verification
  • Experience in a mission assurance role
  • Demonstrated leadership in a customer-facing role
  • Experience working with range requirements for flight test campaigns

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $90,000 - $110,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can't quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. 

Classification: Full-time Exempt

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