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Flight Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD

$65K - $95K/yr

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Technicians with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing. Primary work activities will ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD

$65K - $95K/yr

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Technicians with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing. Primary work activities will ...

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Flight Test Technician

Hagerstown, MD · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

This is a direct flight test operations role for a hands-on technician who is more comfortable in an aircraft seat than behind a desk. You are the type of professional who can manage a multi-modal ...

Seneca

UAS Flight Test Technician

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

As a UAS Flight Test Technician, you'll support Seneca's flight test program by preparing aircraft, managing ground equipment, running checklists, and keeping test sites safe, functional, and ready ...

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Flight Test Technician information

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$115K

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How much do flight test technician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test technician in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Flight Test Technician, you need a strong understanding of aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting, typically supported by an associate degree in aviation maintenance or equivalent technical training. Familiarity with avionics testing equipment, flight data acquisition systems, and relevant certifications such as FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) are common requirements. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate test operations and reliable data collection essential for aircraft development and certification.

What are some common challenges Flight Test Technicians face when working on live aircraft tests?

Flight Test Technicians often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test schedules, working in variable weather conditions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols during live tests. They must be prepared to troubleshoot unexpected technical issues on the spot and communicate effectively with engineers, pilots, and other team members to resolve problems quickly. Success in this role relies on flexibility, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills to ensure that test objectives are met safely and efficiently.

What are Flight Test Technicians?

Flight Test Technicians are specialized professionals who support the testing of aircraft and aerospace systems. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and monitoring test equipment, as well as collecting and analyzing data during test flights. Their work ensures that aircraft meet safety and performance standards before they are certified for commercial or military use. Flight Test Technicians collaborate closely with engineers and pilots to troubleshoot issues and implement test plans. This role is critical for advancing aviation technology and maintaining compliance with regulations.

What is the difference between Flight Test Technician vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFlight Test TechnicianFlight Test Engineer
Required credentialsTypically an associate degree or technical certification in aerospace or avionicsBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field
Work environmentHands-on testing on aircraft, often in the field or test rangesDesigns test plans, analyzes data, and oversees testing processes
Employer and industry usageAirlines, aerospace manufacturers, government agenciesPrimarily aerospace companies and defense contractors

Flight Test Technicians focus on executing test procedures, maintaining equipment, and collecting data during aircraft testing. Flight Test Engineers design test plans, analyze results, and ensure safety protocols. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing but differ mainly in responsibilities and educational requirements.

More about Flight Test Technician jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Technician jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Technician jobs are:
What states have the most Flight Test Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test Technician jobs are:
Flight Test Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Flight Test Technician

Flight Test Technician

WGS SYSTEMS LLC

Hagerstown, MD

$65K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

WGS Systems, LLC, is looking for Flight Test Technicians with experience and background in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems flight testing.  Primary work activities will take place in Hagerstown, MD with occasional travel supporting various events.
 
The successful candidate is a mission-experienced operator or maintainer with the aptitude to conduct flight testing in the airborne ISR and SIGINT domains. This is a direct flight test operations role for a hands-on technician who is more comfortable in an aircraft seat than behind a desk. You are the type of professional who can manage a multi-modal sensor suite (SAR, EO/IR, EW) in high-pressure environments, possessing the common sense and technical ability to operate systems and troubleshoot hardware or software faults mid-mission. Whether you are a veteran Army 15-series, an Air Force 1A8, a Navy CT or other similar MOS looking to transition your cryptologic or technical skills to flight test, you bring the focus and work ethic required for high-stakes airborne sensor testing.
Key Responsibilities/Duties Include:
 
·      In-Flight System Operation: Work as an onboard operator for SAR/GMTI, EO/IR, and SIGINT/EW sensor suites, following test cards to collect data and adjusting settings as needed to ensure a successful mission.
·      General Troubleshooting: Identify and help fix hardware, cabling, and software issues during flight and ground operations to keep the systems running and avoid cancelled flights.
·      Ground Checks & Setup: Assist with pre-flight system checks and ground integration tests to make sure sensors, data links, and mission computers are ready for takeoff.
·      Data Handling: Follow data collection steps carefully to ensure all information is recorded correctly; check data formats post-flight before handing off to the engineering team.
·      Mission Documentation: Fill out flight logs and discrepancy reports (DRs) clearly and accurately, noting exactly what happened with the equipment during the mission.
·      Safety & Teamwork: Follow U.S. Army crew rest standards and all aviation safety rules, working as a reliable member of the flight crew to ensure safe operations.
·      Flexible Schedule Execution: Show up ready to work for a variable schedule that includes early mornings, late nights, and weekend shifts to meet mission requirements.
 
Qualification requirements:
 
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of a military technical school (A-School/C-School/AIT) or a vocational program in electronics, ISR, or communications is a major plus.
  • Experience: 4+ years of experience in a technical, hands-on role—ideally involving sensors, radios, or electronics maintenance. We value practical experience and a track record of showing up and getting the job done.
  • Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance is mandatory. Due to the nature of the work, we cannot consider candidates without this clearance level already in place.
  • Military Background (Preferred): We strongly encourage applications from those with experience in roles including, but not limited to:
    • Navy: CT (Cryptologic Technician), AT (Aviation Electronics Technician), CTT, or CTR.
    • Army: 15W/15E, 35-series (Intel), or 94-series (Maintainers).
    • Air Force: 1A8, 1U0, or 2A-series (Avionics).
    • USMC: 26-series (SIGINT), 63/64-series (Avionics), 02-series (Intel), or 7314 (UAV Operator).
  • Flight Physical: Ability to pass a standard FAA Class III flight physical (or military equivalent) to ensure you are safe to fly.
  • Technical Aptitude: A basic understanding of how electronics work, how signals flow through cables, and a willingness to learn the specifics of Radar, EO/IR, and SIGINT systems.
  • Physical Stamina: Comfortable working in the confined space of a business jet for several hours at a time and able to maintain focus during long missions.
  • Availability: Must be willing and able to work an "off-shift" schedule, including nights and weekends, as missions are often scheduled around weather and aircraft availability.
  •  
 
WGS Systems, LLC, based in Frederick, Maryland, provides systems and products that support our military and homeland security front line personnel.  We have been recognized as a small-business industry leader by the state of Maryland by winning the Homeland Security Award from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Our offerings include signal collection and processing systems; first responder protection systems; airborne and ground-based systems development; multiple sensor integration and fusion; radar, imagery, and signal exploitation systems integration; advanced computing and networking architecture development; and communications networks for off-board voice and data dissemination.
We are looking for the highest quality, motivated personnel to help our company continue to grow into the preeminent sensor and system developer for the defense and homeland security of our country.
 
WGS Systems is proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V.
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