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Flight Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview Flight Test Engineer JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to ... Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians ...

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 ...

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 ...

Ursa Major

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Berthoud, CO

$121K - $150K/yr

Lead and support ground and flight operations with a strong emphasis on safety for Ursa Major's missions, including overseeing other test engineers, operators, and technicians * Guide data review ...

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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 Jun 13, 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.

How much do flight line technicians make?

Flight line technicians typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They perform maintenance, inspections, and repairs on aircraft on the tarmac and often work in shifts or overtime. Salaries can increase with specialized skills and years of service.

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 much do flight test engineers get paid?

Flight test engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace or defense industries.

What is the highest salary for avionics technicians?

The highest salaries for avionics technicians can reach around $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand aerospace environments. Factors such as certifications, location, and employer also influence earning potential.

What does a flight test technician do?

A flight test technician is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and testing aircraft and flight systems to ensure safety and performance. They conduct ground and flight tests, troubleshoot issues, and document test results, often working with specialized tools and following strict safety protocols. Certification and technical skills in aeronautics are typically required for this role.
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Flight Test Technician jobs near you
V-22 Flight Test Engineer (Multiple Levels Considered)

V-22 Flight Test Engineer (Multiple Levels Considered)

Bell Flight

Lexington Park, MD

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

V-22 Flight Test Engineer (NAS Patuxent River, MD)

We're more than aviation experts, we're pioneers. We challenge what's possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

Bell Flight is seeking a Flight Test Engineer (FTE) to support the testing and development of product improvements for USMC & USN V-22 tiltrotor aircraft at Patuxent River Naval Air Station located at Patuxent River, Maryland.  Bring your experience and ideas and help us design and build critical solutions across a fleet of test aircraft to quantify a myriad of engineering phenomena including propulsion, structural dynamics, aerodynamics, and more.

Flight Test Engineer

As a Flight Test Engineer, you will be a vital part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) by monitoring flight and ground test activities through on-site telemetry systems and performing post-test analysis to meet program and customer defined requirements.  You will be working in a small team environment to support test operations by planning and executing multiple projects within established flight test guidelines to achieve safe flight operations.  Those projects will require coordination between the V-22 Test Team, the NAVAIR Customer, and Bell in Fort Worth, Texas.  Lastly, you will be able to hone your technical and analytical abilities on significant engineering problems, all while gaining experience in leadership and communication.

What you'll be doing as a Flight Test Engineer:

As a Flight Test Engineer, you will work with test directors, discipline engineers, instrumentation technicians, and test pilots to define system requirements and hardware/software implementation strategies for aircraft telemeter parameters for real-time data monitoring and collection for post-test analysis.

        Lead a portion of the flight test team for experimental tiltrotor aircraft, requiring teamwork and collaborative problem solving in a multi-team environment with direct customer contact.

          Plan and conduct tiltrotor aircraft flight tests using real-time telemetry data monitoring for safety-of-flight and safety-of-test parameters during test flights.

        Participate in higher-level test planning and scheduling activities.

        Coordinate experimental aircraft evaluations including configuration changes, flight scheduling, maintenance requirements, and other events.

         Coordinate with team members, cognizant design & analysis engineers, and NAVAIR.

        Review and understand all related procedures, processes, and best practices.

        Support new aircraft and technology development as well as proprietary analytical tools and applications.

What you need to be successful: 

    5 years of experience in experimental test, evaluation, and risk management.
    Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering. 
    Ability to obtain Active Secret Clearance.
    Experience with FAA and/or military certification processes.
    Ability to obtain an FAA Class III FAA Medical Certificate.
    Private or Commercial Pilot License is preferred.
    Travel up to 20% of the time, as needed, to support short term (up to two months) off-site assignments.

What we offer you in return:

    80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
    120 hours Vacation time
    12-13 paid holidays per year
    6 weeks parental leave
    Tuition reimbursement
    Competitive salary
    Comprehensive health insurance
    Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
    And so much more

It's time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let's make history together. 
 

Apply