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Flight Test Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AeroVironment, Inc.

Flight Test Operator II

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

Flight tests are performed in the field utilizing various computerized test equipment. Conditions ... We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator - Esparto,CA

Esparto, CA · On-site

About You and The Role You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on executing high-volume ... technology, and directly improves the reliability of every delivery. What You'll Do * Own end-to ...

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

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

Socket.dev

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$115K - $170K/yr

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

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

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

LTA Research

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

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

AeroVironment

Flight Test Operator II

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

Flight tests are performed in the field utilizing various computerized test equipment. Conditions ... We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous ...

Wing

Head of Flight Test Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Be responsible for the development of flight test evaluation strategies and plans for all aspects of the Wing Delivery System, from end-to-end system validation to novel component level technology ...

Wing

Head of Flight Test Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$276K - $293K/yr

Our technology is designed to be easy to integrate into existing delivery and logistics networks ... You will manage a team of Flight Test Engineers, balancing people leadership with technical ...

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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 Sep 12, 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 is a flight test tech?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a flight test tech?

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 are 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 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.

How to become a flight test technician?

To become a flight test technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an associate degree in aerospace, avionics, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding aircraft systems, troubleshooting, and familiarity with testing procedures; certifications such as FAA airframe and powerplant (A&P) can enhance job prospects. Experience with flight testing, maintenance, or working in aerospace environments is also valuable.

What does a flight test technician do?

A flight test technician is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and operating aircraft and testing equipment during flight tests to evaluate aircraft performance and safety. They collect data, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often working closely with engineers and pilots. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of aviation systems, and certifications such as FAA airframe and powerplant licenses.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Tech jobs in California?

For Flight Test Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Flight Test Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Flight Test Tech jobs in California are:

Flight Test Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Tech job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,494 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Flight Test Operator II

Moorpark, CA • On-site

AeroVironment, Inc.
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about AeroVironment, Inc.external

$23 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Flight Test Operator II is responsible for performing functional flight tests of AeroVironment's Unmanned Air Vehicles and equipment for quality assurance purposes. Flight tests are performed in the field utilizing various computerized test equipment. Conditions and testing locations may vary and require frequent local travel with some longer distance interstate travel.
Position Responsibilities
  • Primary point of contact between the customer and the company during acceptance testing
  • Performs tests on AV Products including quality testing and customer acceptance tests.
  • Support other department product testing as needed.
  • Prepares test plans and detailed post flight test reports and provides pertinent feedback on observed aircraft performance for internal and external customers
  • Required to follow and ensure all safety protocol is adhered to. Must report all safety issues.
  • May be required to write new safety procedures as needed with EH&S
  • Provides support to Flight Team members. May be asked to provide feedback on performance of peers
  • Provides pertinent feedback to various department personnel on observed aircraft performance. Able to provide insight on possible cause and affect
  • May perform Site Lead responsibilities including responsibility for pre and post flight equipment checklists, managing flight test operations and personnel in the field, and reporting on activities
  • Works on assignments that are semi-routine in nature; Capable or working within well-defined requirements with some supervision
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent is required
  • Minimum of 1 - 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Experience working at an Aircraft Manufacturing company
  • Able to articulate and document product issues and offer insight to solutions. May be required to rewrite test procedures in the field
  • Ability to articulate and document product issues
  • Ability to operate a minimum of two UAV systems
  • Must be able to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate examination and follow on examinations as required
  • Must be able to maintain visual line of sight of UAV up to 1 kilometer away
  • Will be required to pass a semiannual proficiency examination and pass the semiannual unannounced written and field test examinations
  • Proficient with computerized work applications (including MS Word and automated time keeping)
  • Minimum of 1,000 UAV flight hours
  • Must have and maintain a clean DMV record in order to drive company vehicles
  • Travel to various testing sights as required
  • Due to scheduling demands, must be able to work overtime and weekends as needed

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
  • AA/AS Degree or Certificate from a technical trade school in Electronics or related is preferred
  • Prior Military experience desired
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
  • Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
  • Good written and verbal communication skills and able to clearly communicate with a diversified audience to include internal and external customers
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and lead teams

Physical Demands
  • Able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and traverse across uneven ground and varying terrain (Constant)
  • Lift and/or move up to 50 lb cases of varying sizes & shapes (Occasional)
  • Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs of cases of varying sizes & shapes (Frequent)
  • repeatedly throw objects up to 16 lbs over the shoulder, stand and/or sit for long periods of time
  • Stand and/or sit for long periods of time (Constant)
  • Balancing, handling, fine manipulation and grasping (Constant)
  • Good manual dexterity to assemble and disassemble product (Frequent)
  • Crouching, reaching and keying (Frequent)
  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, feeling, overhead lifting (Occasional)

Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$23 - $35
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

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