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Flight Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Basic Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians ... The Flight Test Engineer will provide programmatic, technical, and analytical support to the ...

Grid Aero

UAV Build & Test Technician

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Act as the primary hardware support during flight tests in Merced, including pre-flight inspections ... R&D technician or similar roles. * Mechanical Mastery: Expert-level comfort with pneumatic rivet ...

Astrion

Basic Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians ... The Flight Test Engineer will provide programmatic, technical, and analytical support to the ...

Grid Aero

UAV Build & Test Technician

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Act as the primary hardware support during flight tests in Merced, including pre-flight inspections ... R&D technician or similar roles. * Mechanical Mastery: Expert-level comfort with pneumatic rivet ...

Grid Aero

UAV Build & Test Technician

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Act as the primary hardware support during flight tests in Merced, including pre-flight inspections ... R&D technician or similar roles. * Mechanical Mastery: Expert-level comfort with pneumatic rivet ...

ZipLine

UAS Technician

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$45K - $58K/yr

South San Francisco, California, USA Assistant Site Lead, Flight Test Operations Location: Half ... South San Francisco, California, USA Build Development Technician (Engineering Test Technician ...

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Flight Test Technician information

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$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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?

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 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.

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 aircraft maintenance, instrumentation, and safety protocols is also valuable in this role.

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.

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Flight Test Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Basic Flight Test Engineer

Astrion

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Overview
Flight Test Engineer
LOCATION: Huntsville, Alabama
JOB STATUS: Full Time
CLEARANCE: Secret
TRAVEL: As Needed
Astrion is seeking a basic level Flight Test Engineer to support Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Director of Test (DT) Flight Test Directorate (DTF). At Astrion, we are at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and support MDA's rigorous operational and developmental testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians supporting the research, development, testing, and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage, and destroy adversary missiles.
Your typical day - Our MDA engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities on Redstone Arsenal located in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville, known as Rocket City, USA, is the hub of missile and space operations, research and development. You will collaborate with other missile defense experts - military, government civilians, and contractors from Astrion and other companies. Our team of experts helps the Government manage planning, development, analysis and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems. You will be part of the team that conducts successful intercepts of target missiles by one of our Missile Defense System (MDS) weapon systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • BS in Engineering or technical field pertinent to the position being filled. 5 years relevant experience may be substituted for the BA/BS degree requirement. No direct experience required.
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance
  • Motivated self-starter
  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills, and have the ability to work effectively in a dynamic fast paced, professional team environment with the ability to adjust/react to short notice requirements; ability to speak in meetings and to MDA leadership
  • Demonstrated skills in a high tempo work environment
  • Ability to follow established processes and procedures to solve routine test planning, integration, execution, and analysis problems
  • Proficient with the MS Office suite of tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Knowledge of MDA test planning, processes and execution
  • Knowledge of Missile Defense System components and system-level topics
  • Capable of working as a team member to solve engineering problems to solve test planning, integration, execution, and analysis problems

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Flight Test Engineer will provide programmatic, technical, and analytical support to the Missile Defense Agency, Director for Flight Test Integrated Execution (DTFI). The position requires a quick learner who can support Advanced and Intermediate Analysts and Engineers by developing and coordinating mission support documentation, executive/technical briefings and other administrative tasks. Travel is required (20+ % of travel is required and may include overseas locations).
Key responsibilities will include:
  • Assist with coordination, integration, and execution across all phases of mission flight test events.
  • Assist in product development of mission planning, readiness and execution support documentation.
  • Prepare decision-quality materials such as executive level briefings and supporting documentation (white papers, fact sheets, status reports, progress reports, and information papers) for senior level reviews and mission milestone decision meetings.
  • Assist with the development of planning meetings, MDA technical reviews, and other meetings, as directed.
  • Provide on-site support to System Mission Managers (SMM) or Mission Test Directors (MTD) at deployed locations for assigned flight test missions.
  • Provide input for weekly test community meetings and working groups to include briefing charts and meeting attendance.
  • Assist in the development of flight test / mission checklists that provide real time flight execution activities for various stakeholders
  • Support all phases of test planning, training and execution of Tier 1/2/3 test environments.
  • Produce test procedures, (checklist) detailing time critical events supporting the Mission Countdown Events (CDE) and update mission documentation as calendar adjustments are scheduled

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