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Flight Test Tech Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Test Tech information

See Utah salary details

$77.4K

$104.7K

$125.2K

How much do flight test tech jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test tech in Utah is $104,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $118,300.00 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 highest salary for avionics technicians?

Avionics technicians can earn salaries up to $80,000 or more annually, especially with advanced certifications and experience working on complex aircraft systems. Top earners often work in specialized environments or for large aerospace companies. Salaries vary based on location, skills, and employer size.

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 does a flight test technician do?

A flight test technician is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and supporting aircraft during flight testing to evaluate performance, safety, and systems. They conduct inspections, troubleshoot issues, and record data using specialized tools and equipment, often working closely with engineers and pilots in a controlled environment. Certification and technical skills in aeronautics are typically required for this role.

How much do flight testers make?

Flight Test Technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They perform testing and data collection on aircraft systems, often working with specialized tools and adhering to safety protocols.

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.

How do I become a flight test engineer?

To become a flight test engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of aircraft systems, data analysis, and experience with flight testing procedures; obtaining certifications such as FAA pilot licenses or safety training can also be beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test Tech jobs in Utah? For Flight Test Tech jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Flight Test Tech job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,692 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

TEAL DRONES INC

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Lead Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer to own and advance the GNC architecture for our UAV systems. This role will lead the development, tuning, validation, and operational readiness of flight control, navigation, estimation, and autopilot systems.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on GNC leader who can own flight behavior end to end: from control architecture and estimation through autopilot configuration, software implementation, flight test, and operational procedures. They should be comfortable making technical decisions, mentoring engineers, and turning flight data into reliable system improvements.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, implementation, tuning, and validation of UAV guidance, navigation, and control systems.
  • Own cascade and hierarchical control system architecture for drone platforms.
  • Develop and maintain autopilot workflows, including PX4 update and release SOPs.
  • Lead flight test planning, execution, log analysis, troubleshooting, and performance improvement.
  • Work with state estimation, sensor fusion, Kalman filters, EKFs, and related navigation methods.
  • Integrate sensors, embedded systems, and flight-critical software/hardware.
  • Guide technical decisions across controls, embedded software, autonomy, and aircraft behavior.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and software engineering teams.
  • Mentor other engineers and establish best practices for GNC development and validation

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in robotics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Significant experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems for UAVs, robotics, aerospace systems, or similar platforms.
  • Strong experience with cascade or hierarchical control systems. - Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python.
  • Hands-on experience with drones, robotics, embedded systems, sensors, or mechatronic systems.
  • Ability to obtain and use FAA Part 107 certification if not already certified.
  • Ability to lead technical workstreams, define procedures, and drive systems from development through flight testing.

Additional Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with PX4 or ArduPilot.
  • Existing FAA Part 107 certification.
  • Strong drone piloting or field testing experience.
  • Experience with state estimation, Kalman filters, EKFs, sensor fusion, or navigation systems.
  • Embedded software development experience.
  • Familiarity with sensors, actuator systems, fluid mechanics, or aerodynamics.
  • Rust experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

  • Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
  • May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
  • Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
  • Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
  • Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.