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Flight Test Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

UAV Build & Test Technician

San Leandro, CA ยท 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 ...

Flight Test Maintenance (A&P)

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Help create and carry out Flight Test maintenance policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work ... Work with all levels of personnel and effectively interact with technicians and engineers

Flight Test Maintenance (A&P)

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Help create and carry out Flight Test maintenance policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work ... Work with all levels of personnel and effectively interact with technicians and engineers

Flight Test Maintenance (A&P)

Salinas, CA ยท On-site

$87K - $108K/yr

Help create and carry out Flight Test maintenance policies and procedures including 5s, FOD, work ... Work with all levels of personnel and effectively interact with technicians and engineers

Showing results 41-60

Flight Test Technician information

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$137.5K

How much do flight test technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 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.
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:

Infographic showing various Flight Test Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Flight Test Telemetry Technician

Greenville, NC โ€ข On-site

$35 - $43/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Flight Test Telemetry Technician
LOCATION: Greenville, NC
PAY RATE: $35-43/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. person as defined under ITAR regulations?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Plan and document aircraft flight test telemetry frequency licenses.

  • Support telemetry operations during flight tests, including TM room and TM van activities.

  • Review, process, and store flight test data following each flight.

  • Support pre- and post-flight briefings.

  • Assist Data Flight Test Engineers with data reduction as needed.

  • Prepare IADS displays to support aircraft and TM room operations.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot TM room, TM van, and TM tower equipment and connections.

  • Support off-site flight test operations as required (approximately 50% travel).

Requirements:

  • Associate degree or Technical Diploma in Electronics (or equivalent experience and training).

  • 5+ years of directly related experience.

  • Previous flight test experience preferred.

  • Working knowledge of flight test systems, avionics, and FCC regulations.

  • Experience with Quasonix receivers and antenna control units.

  • Fiber optics termination experience preferred.

  • Proficient with IADS and engineering software applications.

  • Understanding of S- and C-band frequency management and modulation schemes.

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels.

  • Ability to work in environments with operational noise, temperature extremes, dust, aircraft equipment, and fuel odors.

  • Capable of standing, sitting, walking, bending, climbing, and reaching for extended periods as required.

  • Able to lift up to 10 lbs independently and up to 50 lbs with assistance equipment.

  • Must meet all applicable FAA, OSHA, DOT, EPA, and regulatory safety requirements.

  • Ability to read, hear, speak, and communicate effectively in business English.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen (as defined by ITAR).

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to major aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with opportunities to grow and excel in the aviation and aerospace industries.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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