ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Flight Test Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Slope

Flight Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

Manage an inventory plan to keep all assets fully mission capable and ready for test. * Prepare for test readiness reviews, safety review boards, and operational test readiness. Create and ...

Mobius

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Serve as an Assistant Test Resource Manager supporting the government's Test Resource Manager with a variety of pre-mission flight test planning, architecture development and test execution ...

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 ... Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company‑desired outcomes ...

The Hiring Method, LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Ability to manage multiple engineering projects in a fast-paced development environment Preferred ... Design and develop next-generation unmanned aircraft from concept through flight test * Work in a ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas. * Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area.

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas. * Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area.

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas. * Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area.

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas. * Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area.

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$173K - $219K/yr

As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical/operational areas * Provide mentorship and guidance to junior flight test engineers in the assigned technical area

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTravel JobsAviation JobsAerospace Engineer JobsFlight Test Manager Jobs

Flight Test Manager information

See salary details

$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 Engineer (Flight Test Technical Expert)

Marina, CA • On-site

Joby Aviation
Aviation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Joby Aviationexternal

$154K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Senior Flight Test Engineer (Technical Expert) to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headcourters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the execution of development, company, and certification flight testing of Joby S4 aircraft:
  • Develop flight test methods for our new and novel eVTOL aircraft to show compliance to FAA's airworthiness criteria as an expert in the assigned technical area(s) (Flying Qualities, Handling Qualities, aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, and/or human factors),
  • Responsibilities also include flight test planning, flight test readiness reviews, flight test support as part of the flight test crew, real-time data monitoring, and post-flight reporting.
  • Develop flight test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles, from experimental development through certification flight test, with focus on assigned technical areas.
  • Collaborate with test pilots and other engineering groups across the company to develop flight test plans and ensure safe and effective test execution.
  • Advise flight test pilots of the nature of the data to inform real-time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
  • Report on completed tests, including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
  • Complete administrative work associated with testing, including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management, and test card creation.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
  • Develop expert-level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
  • Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Required
  • Passion for flight testing and willingness to learn about our new and novel aircraft.
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
  • Expert-level knowledge in one or more of the technical areas, including familiarity with FAA AC 23-8C, AC 27-1B, and other applicable industry standards:
    • Flying Qualities and Handling Qualities
    • Performance
    • Loads and flutter
    • Aircraft systems and/or propulsion
    • Avionics
    • Human factors
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across a wide range of technical disciplines.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Proficiency in reading and speaking English.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours and travel up to 30%

Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
  • Experience as a Test Conductor.
  • Working experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, or similar.
  • Civil aircraft certification experience, including familiarity with ARP 4754 processes.
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL with fly-by-wire systems.
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $154,600 - $206,100/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Additional Information
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply