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Flight Test Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Title: Senior Flight Test Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

BAE Systems

Mgr II- Eng Aero

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$159K - $254K/yr

The F35 Flight Test Manager role is responsible for leading activities for Flight Test and Flight Operations integration across the program, supporting development and upkeep of governance structure ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Flight Test Lead Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) Organization has a ... Support Cost Account Manager (CAM) activities * Lead and prepare for remote site deployments

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation * Assists with troubleshooting and root ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Flight Test Lead Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) Organization has a ... Support Cost Account Manager (CAM) activities * Lead and prepare for remote site deployments

Skyryse

Flight Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during ... FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... On-site test management, including test card generation, briefing, debriefing, documenting test ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... On-site test management, including test card generation, briefing, debriefing, documenting test ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Flight Test Lead Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Test & Evaluation (BT&E) Organization has a ... Support Cost Account Manager (CAM) activities * Lead and prepare for remote site deployments

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation. * Assists with troubleshooting and ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation * Assists with troubleshooting and root ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... On-site test management, including test card generation, briefing, debriefing, documenting test ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... On-site test management, including test card generation, briefing, debriefing, documenting test ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA

$107K - $174K/yr

Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation * Assists with troubleshooting and root ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$107K - $174K/yr

Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation * Assists with troubleshooting and root ...

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Flight Test Manager information

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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test manager in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a flight test manager do?

A Flight Test Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of flight test programs for new or modified aircraft. They lead teams of engineers, pilots, and technicians to ensure test flights are conducted safely and effectively, adhering to regulatory standards. Their responsibilities include developing test plans, analyzing data, and reporting results to ensure the aircraft meets all performance and safety requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test manager?

To thrive as a Flight Test Manager, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, test planning, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in flight test operations. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and industry-standard safety protocols is essential, and certifications like DER or equivalent can be advantageous. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring smooth test execution. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight test programs that deliver actionable results for aircraft development.

What are some common challenges a flight test manager faces when coordinating test schedules and resources?

Flight Test Managers often encounter challenges in balancing tight project timelines with the availability of specialized personnel, aircraft, and testing equipment. Unexpected technical issues or weather delays can impact test schedules, requiring quick problem-solving and adjustments. Effective communication and collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and regulatory teams are essential to keep testing on track while ensuring safety and compliance. Adapting to shifting priorities and maintaining a detailed overview of multiple test activities are key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Flight Test Manager vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Test ManagerFlight Test Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire flight test programs, manages teams, plans testing schedules, and ensures safety compliance.Conducts specific flight tests, collects data, analyzes results, and reports findings.
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in aerospace engineering, pilot certifications, and experience in flight testing.Requires a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, with experience in flight testing and data analysis.
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in test aircraft operations, collaborates with engineers and pilots, often in test ranges or labs.Works directly on aircraft during testing, often in labs or on test flights, focusing on data collection and analysis.

The main difference is that the Flight Test Manager oversees the entire testing program and team, ensuring safety and schedule adherence, while the Flight Test Engineer focuses on executing specific tests and analyzing data. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What states have the most Flight Test Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Flight Test Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Manager jobs?

For Flight Test Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Senior Flight Test Manager

On-site

KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about KBR, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test programs for various aircraft platforms and systems.

  • Coordinate with vendors and test organizations to develop detailed test plans, support resource management, and monitor test execution.

  • Analyze flight test data, prepare reports, and evaluate system functionality to ensure test objectives and safety standards are met.

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 454 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Senior Flight Test Manager
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:
KBR, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Flight Test Manager to support the Air Force Research Laboratory's Autonomous Air Refueling research effort. This role will be responsible for providing expert-level flight test guidance on this complex program. This role will serve as the research and acquisition test manager responsible for developing, establishing and implementing aspects of a project/program through designated phases of the acquisition cycle for which no closely related precedents exist. The candidate will manage AFRL Flight Test processes, evaluate and manage vendor test plans, observe flight test activities and manage vendor reporting. The objective of this role is to support the Technology Transition Office (TTO) in the form of developing, producing, acquiring and testing material capabilities for the US Air Force.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate with vendors and test organizations such as AFRL/DO to assist in developing detailed test plans, support resource management, and monitor execution.
  • Act as a liaison to test stakeholders including test units, developing contractors, users, and other program offices.
  • Support development, implementation, and monitoring of processes to manage cost, schedule, conduct, and strategy of T&E activities across acquisition phases.
  • Provide technical input and briefings to government leadership and industry representatives regarding T&E status and progress.
  • Monitor contractor performance and provide assessments to government PMs on program objectives.
  • Coordinate activities among functional specialists in engineering, program scheduling, configuration/data management, test, and logistics.
  • Provide technical support to contractual, financial, and programmatic aspects of projects through acquisition phases.
  • Apply acquisition test management principles to identify technical risks and support program success across acquisition phases.
  • Engage with stakeholders to resolve technical issues and provide updates to government and contractor teams.
  • Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of complex flight test programs for various aircraft platforms and systems.

  • Coordinate and manage detailed flight test plans, procedures, and test cards, ensuring clear objectives, performance criteria, and safety standards.

  • Manage and oversee ground and flight test events, including range and airspace coordination.

  • Perform in-depth analysis of flight test data to evaluate system functionality.

  • Prepare detailed flight test reports, documenting results, highlighting key findings, and providing actionable recommendations.

  • Evaluate vendor deliverables to ensure contract performance and compliance.

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant safety standards, regulatory requirements, and program guidelines such as AFRL Manual 99-103 and AFRLI 61-103

  • Identify potential safety risks and technical challenges and develop mitigation strategies.

Work Environment:
  • Location: On-site (WPAFB, OH)
  • Travel Requirements: Moderate Less than 20%
  • Working Hours: Standard - Core hours 0900 - 1500

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of experience in test and evaluation with a specific focus on Air Force acquisition programs or similar DoD systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage system requirements verification and validation activities
  • Demonstrated ability to lead planning and execution events.
  • Proficiency with tools and technologies commonly used in Air Force and DoD acquisition programs, such as model based systems engineering, risk management, requirements management, project scheduling, and software backlog management tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to program managers, contractors, and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines within the AFRL environment.
  • Ability to navigate the complexities of military contracting processes and collaborate with defense contractors to ensure compliance with Air Force requirements.
  • Active Secret clearance

Desired:
  • Active Top Secret clearance
  • Experience with prototyping and experimentation within the DoW.
  • DAWIA Test and Evaluation certification.
  • Expertise in software integration and testing.
  • Minimum of 2 years' experience in SCI programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well independently or as a team member.
  • Demonstrated ability to drive projects to closure and to assimilate and correlate project information in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with technical and non-technical project teams.
  • Experience acquiring and/or testing autonomous systems.
  • Experience with Collaborative Combat Aircraft platforms and supporting architecture.
  • Experience with Air to Air Refueling test & evaluation.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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