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Flight Test Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing ... Flight Test Operations; Instrumentation & Data Systems - Test Software & Telemetry, System Design ...

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. ... As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ...

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$164K - $226K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training ...

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... This position requires eligibility to access export-controlled technology under U.S. regulations ...

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$123K - $187K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... This position requires eligibility to access export-controlled technology under U.S. regulations ...

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral ... This position requires eligibility to access export-controlled technology under U.S. regulations ...

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team ...

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

The Flight Test Engineer will develop test plans & test hazard analyses (THA), draft airship ... technology. Rooted in our humanitarian mission, we want to serve the entire globe and have a team ...

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Flight Test Tech information

See California salary details

$83.9K

$113.5K

$135.7K

How much do flight test tech jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test tech in California is $113,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Flight Test Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Test Tech, you need a strong background in aircraft systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically an associate degree or relevant technical certification in aviation maintenance. Familiarity with flight data acquisition systems, avionics testing tools, and adherence to FAA regulations are essential for the role. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for conducting safe and accurate flight tests. These competencies ensure the reliability, safety, and compliance of aircraft during test operations.

What is the difference between Flight Test Tech vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectFlight Test TechAircraft Maintenance Technician
Required CertificationsFAA certifications, specialized flight test trainingFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentFlight testing aircraft, often outdoors, in aircraft hangarsMaintenance facilities, hangars, repair shops
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace and aircraft manufacturersCommercial, private, and military aircraft maintenance
Job FocusTesting aircraft performance and systems during flightRepairing, inspecting, and maintaining aircraft

While both roles require FAA certifications and involve working with aircraft, Flight Test Techs focus on conducting flight tests to evaluate aircraft performance, often in collaboration with engineers. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians handle routine repairs and inspections on aircraft on the ground. The two roles complement each other within the aerospace industry but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges flight test technicians face during test campaigns?

Flight test technicians often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test schedules, working in variable weather conditions, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues on the aircraft. They must maintain a high level of attention to detail to ensure safety and data accuracy, especially when working with complex test instrumentation. Collaboration with engineers, pilots, and other technicians is essential to address issues quickly and keep test programs on track. Flexibility, clear communication, and strong problem-solving skills are key to successfully navigating these challenges.

What are Flight Test Techs?

Flight Test Technicians, often called Flight Test Techs, are specialized professionals who assist in the testing and evaluation of aircraft systems and components. They work closely with engineers and pilots to set up, monitor, and record data from test flights, ensuring all equipment is functioning properly and safely. Their responsibilities can include installing instrumentation, troubleshooting technical issues, and maintaining detailed records of test results. Flight Test Techs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and performance of new or modified aircraft before they enter regular service.
Flight Test Technician 3/4

Flight Test Technician 3/4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Flight Test Technician 3/Flight Test Technician 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting our Lab Test Center of Technical Excellence for Test and Evaluation. This position will be located on site in Palmdale, CA.

The Lab Test Team is looking for an experienced Flight Test Technician with instrumentation test experience, good communication skills and a team centric approach. In this role, you will be performing a variety of duties assisting test engineers in the development of electrical, mechanical, and data systems. This could include but not limited to engineering designs, tests, fabrications, modifications, assemblies, and components. The selected candidate also will set up and test lab subassemblies under operational conditions. This will include fabricated and routed harness assemblies and installations. Prospective candidates will become familiar with the hardware and methodology used in systems, test setup, and data acquisition hardware as well as related sensors, e.g., LVDT, strain gages, string pots, load cells, torque transducers, and optical and audio sensors.

The selected individual must be capable of working as an individual contributor as well as part of a team. Selected candidate must be a motivated, driven individual with excellent communication skills, capable of successfully completing statement of work with somewhat minimal oversight/supervision. Individuals will follow the instructions of Vehicle Managers, Senior Technicians, or Engineers/Test Conductors, and must be able to read and interpret technical documents, such as drawings, schematics, sketches, procedures, technical orders etc.

Potential shifts:

  • 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm

  • 4X10 (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am

  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 1st shift; 5am-3:30pm

  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sa, Su) 2nd shift; 3pm-1:30am

Responsibilities Include:

  • Test, troubleshooting, removal, installation, modification, and maintenance of aerospace systems including, but not limited to fuel, hydraulics, ECS, flight controls, propulsion, landing gear, CNI, and ground support equipment.

  • Operate ground equipment, aerospace systems checkout, perform pre and post-use inspections, service fuel, lubrication, cooling, and other requirements as necessary.

  • Other responsibilities may include the application of materials, appliques, coatings, decals, primer, and paint.

  • Read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.

  • Execute testing in accordance with direction provided by senior technician/engineering staff

  • Conducting tests and reporting data in the prescribed format, using predetermined methods, sequences, and setups to inspect or test specific equipment or products.

  • Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends as required

  • Adhere to all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety guidelines and regulations

  • Work and communicate over ambient noise

  • Work in a variety of work spaces/positions. Work spaces may include but are not limited to small, enclosed spaces, awkward, and elevated spaces. Positions may include bending, twisting, kneeling, crawling, ascending/descending ladders, and/or working overhead.

  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 10-25% to support other site locations, Military Bases, and other various Program needs

We offer multiple shift options, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

This role will be filled at either a Flight Test Technician 3 or 4 based on the relevant experience required for each role.

Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 3:

  • High School Diploma/GED with 4 years of related experience.

  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to instrumentation systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.

  • Ability to obtain U.S.Government Secret Clearance and Special Programs Access (SAP)or higher clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.

  • Must be able to performmoderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.

  • Ability to travel domestically AND internationally to support business need (the ability to obtain a US Passport for potential international travel is required).

Basic Qualifications for a Flight Test Tech 4:

  • High School Diploma/GED with 6 years of related experience.

  • Related experience in one of more of the following but not limited to instrumentation systems, structures, composites, aircraft systems, and flightline operations.

  • Ability to obtain U.S.Government Secret Clearance and Special Programs Access (SAP)or higher clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business need.

  • Must be able to performmoderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, and working overhead.

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environments.

  • Ability to travel domestically AND internationally to support business need (the ability to obtain a US Passport for potential international travel is required).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active Secret Government Clearance

  • In-Scope Program Access

  • Active US Passport

  • Experience in LVDT, strain gages, string pots, load cells, torque transducers, and optical and audio sensors

  • Developmental or Production test experience

  • Mix of back shop and flightline maintenance experience

  • Familiarity with Configuration Management and/or Mission Assurance concepts

  • Must be able to lead and train lower-level employees

  • Familiarity with Maintenance Data Collection systems (MES, FMT, CAMS, etc.)

  • Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook)

  • Ability to read and interpret schematics, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to fabricate and assemble necessary fixtures and/or components.

What We Offer:

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!

Primary Level Salary Range: $66,600.00 - $111,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $79,100.00 - $131,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939