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Flight Test Tech Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer, Sr.

Hood River, OR · On-site

$111K - $170K/yr

Supports Flight Test operations, as needed * Troubleshoots complex systems. Documents designs with ... Experienced with power electronics, including motors and Battery Technology (lead acid, Nickel ...

Electrical Engineer, Sr.

Wasco, OR · On-site

$111K - $170K/yr

Supports Flight Test operations, as needed * Troubleshoots complex systems. Documents designs with ... Experienced with power electronics, including motors and Battery Technology (lead acid, Nickel ...

... flight test facilities, including Kerikeri, New Zealand; Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and soon ... Working closely with Merlin's entire technology organization, you will also cross-train into DO ...

Systems Engineer, Sr.

Hood River, OR · On-site

$111K - $170K/yr

Work with Senior Staff Engineers in developing instrumented flight test vectors and data ... We don't just build defense technology--we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous ...

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Flight Test Tech information

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 Oregon?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Flight Test Tech job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Flight Test Maint Technician, Prime Air Flight Test Operations

Pendleton, OR

Amazon
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

How do you deliver items to customers quickly, cost-effectively, and-most importantly-safely, in as fast as 30 minutes. And how do you do it in a way that scales. Our teams of hundreds of scientists, engineers, aerospace professionals, and futurists have been working hard to do just that.

We're already delivering to customers and are excited about what's to come. For more details, check out the About Amazon blog: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-drone-delivery-expansion
If you're looking for an environment that fosters innovation, where you can apply state-of-the-art technologies to solve real-world delivery challenges and make a positive impact on customers, Prime Air is the place for you!
Join the Amazon Prime Air Team!
Prime Air is looking for an experienced drone maintenance technician with a strong technical background and a passion for keeping complex drone systems safe and mission-ready. We seek resourceful problem-solvers who can diagnose novel failures, adapt to evolving configurations, and think critically under pressure

Here, you'll work hard, have fun, and, of course, make history!
As a Prime Air Flight Test Maintenance Technician, you will maintain and troubleshoot a diverse fleet of experimental and prototype drones that are continuously changing in hardware, software, and configuration. While you will operate within our standardized maintenance framework, our test vehicles frequently present first-seen anomalies and unique technical challenges that demand independent diagnostic reasoning, root-cause analysis beyond established procedures, and the ability to develop or adapt troubleshooting approaches in real time.
A critical part of this role is maintaining rigorous configuration control: verifying that each drone is configured to the correct specification for its assigned test card, and executing thorough quality checks during handoffs between configurations. Beyond the drones themselves, you will also maintain ground support equipment (GSE) and battery systems, ensuring they remain serviceable and ready to support test operations

You will collaborate closely with flight test crews, engineering, and other Prime Air stakeholders to ensure every drone meets airworthiness standards and is ready for its next mission.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong analytical and critical-thinking skills who can work from limited documentation, identify systemic trends across a mixed fleet, and exercise sound judgment when standard troubleshooting guides don't apply. You thrive both independently and in a team environment, and you bring a proactive mindset to improving maintenance processes as our platforms mature.
This role requires the ability to carry/lift up to 50 lbs, stand / walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend and reach.
This role requires the ability to work any shift, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This role requires travel, up to 50% of the time.
Export Control License: This position may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Placement is contingent on Amazon's ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf.
Key job responsibilities
- Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on a diverse fleet of experimental and prototype drones, ensuring airworthiness and fleet readiness
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections, identifying and resolving discrepancies before and after test operations
- Perform component-level maintenance and removal/replacement (R&R) of line-replaceable units (LRUs) across the drone fleet
- Manage configuration control: verify each drone is correctly configured to its assigned test card and execute quality checks during configuration handoffs
- Troubleshoot first-seen anomalies and non-standard technical issues using independent diagnostic reasoning when standard procedures don't fully apply
- Maintain ground support equipment (GSE), battery systems, and other ground infrastructure to support daily test operations
- Support special maintenance projects as required, including GSE builds, battery fleet management, and ground system improvements
- Manage fleet spare parts and inventory
- Follow and contribute to technical documentation, including maintenance manuals and evolving R&D procedures developed in coordination with engineering
- Verify adherence to FAA regulations and Prime Air directives and processes
- Demonstrate a proactive safety mindset in ambiguous situations
- Own fleet performance metrics, maintaining awareness of fleet health and test card readiness, and communicating status during daily standup meetings
- Coordinate closely with Flight Test Engineering on a daily basis to address technical questions, support test requirements, and resolve maintenance issues
- Collaborate with flight test crews to deliver airworthy, mission-ready drones and with broader engineering stakeholders to support their test requirements
A day in the life
Your morning starts with coffee and a team briefing at the Pendleton UAS Range - "Dronetown" USA

You'll review the day's test cards, grab the keys to a fleet truck, and head out to the flightline alongside a talented crew, the drones, and wide-open Eastern Oregon sky. The day might have you configuring a drone for a test card, chasing down an anomaly from yesterday's post-flight, or swapping an LRU between sorties. After lunch with a view of the Blue Mountains, you're back at it - prepping the next bird, updating fleet metrics, or knocking out a GSE maintenance project.

You'll spend 85-95% of your time hands-on with the hardware in an immersive field environment that'll make you never want to go back to a shop floor. Let 'er fly.
About the team
Flight Test Operations is a small, tight-knit team of passionate aviators and maintainers operating in a fast-paced R&D field environment.

We take pride in raising the bar for operational excellence within Prime Air. Our mission is ensuring safe test execution that delivers quality results our engineering customers can count on. Every aspect of the Amazon Prime Air customer experience comes through our flightline first.

If you want to be at the tip of the spear - working on industry-leading drone technology alongside pilots and maintainers who genuinely love aviation - this is it!


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About Amazon

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Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US