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Flight Test Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Electra

Principal Quality Inspector

Manassas, VA · On-site

Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call ... You'll be embedded across Quality, Manufacturing, Production, Engineering, Flight Test, and Tooling ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $165K/yr

Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call ... SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators ...

BAE Systems

Eng Technologist II

VA · On-site

As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your ... Flight Test Mission * Land-based test facilities experience

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Flight Test Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Tech job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Principal Quality Inspector

Manassas, VA • On-site

Electra
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Electraexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

As a Principal Quality Inspector at Electra, you'll serve as a dual-site quality presence across our Manassas, VA headquarters and our future manufacturing site in Springfield, OH. You'll be embedded across Quality, Manufacturing, Production, Engineering, Flight Test, and Tooling — owning day-to-day quality oversight while simultaneously helping build the QMS infrastructure we'll carry into FAA type and production certification.

This is a hands-on role with significant ownership. You'll sit at the intersection of regulatory compliance and production execution — running floor inspections, leading Quality discussions, supporting flight test inspections and conformity, and developing the training programs needed, including supporting lean production and quality systems that will scale with our rate ramp.

You'll report into Electra's Quality leadership and be expected to operate with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment across every site and stakeholder.

What You'll Do
  • Represent Electra's Quality department with professionalism and positive intent at all locations and in all interactions — from the shop floor to executive stakeholder meetings
  • Support FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification efforts at Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH, providing quality oversight and documentation in alignment with program milestones
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Production, Engineering, Tooling, Flight Test, and Facilities teams through hands-on on-site support, evaluations, inspections, and periodic status reporting using Electra's established tools and methods
  • Lead development, documentation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of a compliant FAA CFR 21.137 Quality Management System, including Production/Manufacturing floor oversight, in-process inspections, FAI and Receiving Inspection
  • Serve as the Quality focal for future Material Review Board (MRB) activities — driving disposition of non-conforming parts and articles, supporting root cause investigation, and maintaining a Safety/Quality-first presence at all times
  • Support the future development and implementation of an AS9100D / AS9102-compliant Quality System, should program objectives require it
  • Drive Lean quality practices across Production and Manufacturing, including shop floor control, tool and equipment calibration, employee certification and competency programs
  • Support Electra company and FAA Flight Test operations at both Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH — including Pre/Post Flight quality inspection activities, Safe to Fly determinations, and FAA Conformity Inspections
  • Develop, deliver, and maintain a comprehensive Quality Training Program that builds capability across the quality and production organization
  • Own predictive quality and rate acceleration objectives — implementing techniques and systems that enable Manufacturing to achieve production rate milestones reliably and on schedule
  • Provide additional quality support as program needs evolve
What You Bring
  • 10+ years of demonstrated aviation manufacturing or maintenance experience
  • Working knowledge of FAA regulations, documentation and procedures
  • Hands-on experience with in-process, FAI, receiving inspection, and non-conformance management
  • Experience supporting FAA flight test operations, including Conformity Inspections and Safe to Fly determinations
  • Demonstrated ability to build and deliver technical training programs for Quality, Manufacturing, and Production personnel
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills — comfortable working across engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory stakeholders in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment
  • Willingness and ability to travel and support operations at multiple sites (Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH)
  • US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required
Bonus Points
  • Direct experience supporting a Part 23 program
  • Familiarity with aviation production quality and flight testing
  • A&P Mechanic certificate or equivalent practical aviation maintenance background; Inspection Authorization (IA) a plus
  • Exposure to eVTOL, hybrid-electric, or novel propulsion aircraft programs

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range
$125,000—$150,000 USD

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.