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Flight Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

The Hiring Method, LLC

Flight Test Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and leadership to develop innovative aerospace solutions ... Strong understanding of aircraft design principles, aerodynamics, and flight test methodologies

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer - SME

FL · On-site

Leads test teams comprised of test engineers, data scientists, technicians, maintenance, flight schedulers, pilots, and aircrew. * Manages test schedules for multiple lines of test and aircraft ...

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Flight Test Technician information

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How much do flight test technician jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 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 is a flight test technician?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight test technician?

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 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.

How do I become a flight test technician?

To become a flight test technician, candidates typically need a background in aerospace engineering, aeronautics, or related fields, along with technical skills in aircraft systems and instrumentation. Relevant certifications, such as FAA airframe and powerplant (A&P) licenses, and experience with flight testing procedures and safety protocols are often required. Hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, testing equipment, and data analysis is also valuable.
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Flight Test Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Technician job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

UAS Flight Test Technician

Sausalito, CA • On-site

Seneca
See more jobs at Senecaexternal

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support flight test operations by preparing aircraft, managing ground equipment, and running checklists.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot batteries, ground equipment, and test site facilities to ensure safety and functionality.

  • Operate instrumentation and cameras to capture test data, and report findings to support test execution and analysis.

Job description

The Job:
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 for operations. Your mission is to ensure every flight test is executed smoothly and that the team captures reliable, high-quality data.
This is a ground operations role working closely with test pilots. You'll apply strong mechanical intuition, field judgment, and disciplined procedures to keep hardware, batteries, tools, and test environments in top working condition. You'll have full stop authority during tests and clear, structured support from experienced engineers.
What You'll Do:
  • Deliver reliable aircraft readiness: Run pre/post-flight checks, assemble vehicles to required test configurations, spot mechanical/electrical issues early, and perform repairs or retrofits.
  • Maintain batteries and ground equipment: Track health and usage, charge and organize equipment, and support basic repairs.
  • Ensure safe, compliant test operations: during flights, maintain observation, monitor weather, enforce limits, and call aborts when needed.
  • Capture and report accurate test data: Operate cameras/instrumentation, upload footage and logs daily, and post-flight test reporting.
  • Perform routine fire-safety operations: Conduct controlled fire-ignition tests, operate fire extinguishers, and follow safety protocols. On-the-job training will be provided for this.
  • Keep the test site functional and hazard-free: Maintain cleanliness and organization, manage consumables, and surface facility needs promptly. Manage test site vendor relationships as needed.

What You Bring:
  • Strong mechanical aptitude: confident with power tools, hand tools, fasteners, and mechanical inspection. Understand how physical systems fail and how to prevent it.
  • Experience in hands-on environments such as technician work, fabrication, field operations, maintenance and repair.
  • Safety-first mindset with rigor around checklists, logs, and procedures.
  • Technical literacy: Two-way radios, cameras, web-based software.
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs, work outdoors in variable conditions, and travel to regional test sites (incl. early mornings/weekends).

Nice to have:
  • Electrical basics: continuity checks, connectors, crimping, soldering
  • First-aid certifications
  • Fire-safety training

Beyond technical skills, we value:
  • Ownership mentality - identify issues, follows through, closes the loop
  • Balance of velocity and quality - move fast, but with rigor and attention to detail
  • Efficiency & follow-through - keeps operations unblocked and organized
  • Iterative problem solving - breakdown complex problems, prototype, and refine
  • Kindness and humility - thrive in collaborative, mission-driven cross-functional teams that value open communication

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Salary - Reflective of your skills and experience
  • Equity Compensation - Be a part-owner in the company's future
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage - Including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
  • Unlimited PTO - Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us
Seneca is building cutting-edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high-risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top-tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others, the company has raised $110M in Series A funding and is valued over $500 million. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative - IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission-driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply - you may still be the right fit for our team.

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