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Flight Test Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$107K - $174K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

Chipton Ross

Flight Test Conductor

Edwards, CA · On-site

$92.58/hr

Job #218668 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Flight Test Conductor for a contract opportunity at Edwards AFB, CA. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Bachelor of Science degree in ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test DER

Marina, CA

$222K - $286K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CTOL/VTOL fleet. This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

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All JobsFlight Test JobsFlight Test Jobs in California

Flight Test information

See California salary details

$83.9K

$113.5K

$135.7K

How much do flight test jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test in California is $113,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Flight Test roles?

Flight Test professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test conditions, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and effectively communicating with multidisciplinary teams including engineers, pilots, and maintenance staff. Coordinating test schedules and data collection can also be complex due to weather variability and aircraft availability. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate efficiently under pressure.

How to become a flight test pilot?

To become a flight test pilot, individuals typically need a commercial pilot license with an instrument and multi-engine rating, along with several hundred hours of flight experience. Many also hold an engineering degree or have military flight experience, and must complete specialized flight test training and certification through organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent authorities. Strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and experience with aircraft systems are essential.

What does a flight test technician do?

A flight test technician is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and conducting tests on aircraft or aerospace systems to evaluate performance and safety. They work closely with engineers, use specialized tools and equipment, and often follow strict safety protocols and documentation standards during testing procedures.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those working in flight test or at major defense and aerospace companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level engineers with specialized skills, leadership roles, or working in high-cost regions are more likely to reach this compensation level.

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

To thrive as a Flight Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, or a related field, along with experience in aircraft systems and data analysis. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, and certifications such as FAA DER or EASA CVE are often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and clear communication skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate evaluation of aircraft performance, compliance with regulations, and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

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

AspectFlight TestFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires pilot licenses, engineering degrees, or specialized flight testing certificationsRequires engineering degrees, certifications in testing or aviation, and pilot licenses in some cases
Work EnvironmentConducted in aircraft, test ranges, and flight test facilitiesInvolves planning, analysis, and coordination of flight tests, often in labs and on aircraft
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace companies, defense contractors, and government agenciesEmployed by aerospace firms, military, and research organizations

Flight Test refers to the overall process of testing aircraft in flight, often involving pilots and test teams. Flight Test Engineer focuses on designing, analyzing, and managing these tests. Both roles are essential in aerospace development, with Flight Test being the broader activity and Flight Test Engineer specializing in the technical and analytical aspects.

What are flight test engineers?

Flight test engineers are professionals who plan, execute, and analyze tests on aircraft and aerospace systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They work closely with pilots, design engineers, and technicians to develop test plans, monitor flight data, and evaluate the results. Their work is crucial in certifying new or modified aircraft before they are approved for commercial or military use. Flight test engineers often work for aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, or research organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Flight Test jobs in California? For Flight Test jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Flight Test jobs? Cities in California with the most Flight Test job openings:
Flight Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,494 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Futran Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position: Flight Test Engineer
Location: Long Beach, CA
Contract Type: Fulltime
Job Description:
  • We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to support the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests for the upcoming full-scale demonstrator program.
  • This role is hands-on and execution-focused, working closely with flight test pilots, systems engineers, maintenance teams, and operations personnel to safely generate high-quality flight test data.
  • This position is ideal for an engineer with early-to-mid career flight test experience who is looking to grow into greater technical ownership and leadership within a fast-paced experimental flight test program.

Key Responsibilities:
Flight Test Planning & Preparation:
  • Support planning and execution of ground and flight test activities for experimental aircraft and test rigs.
  • Develop and maintain flight test plans, test cards, and procedures under guidance from senior flight test engineers.
  • Assist with instrumentation planning, sensor integration, and flight test system configuration.
  • Coordinate with engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams to ensure test readiness and configuration control.

Flight Test Execution:
  • Participate in flight briefings, debriefings, and flight readiness reviews.
  • Support real-time test execution, including monitoring from the telemetry room and onboard test support when required.
  • Ensure flight test activities follow internal safety processes and operational procedures.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Perform post-flight data processing and analysis, identifying anomalies, and supporting root-cause investigations.
  • Document results through test reports, summaries, and structured data packages.
  • Contribute improvements to flight test tools, procedures, and workflows.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams to support efficient test operations.
  • Represent flight test engineering in program reviews and cross-functional technical discussions.

Qualifications Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 2-5 years of experience in flight testing, systems testing, or experimental test environments.
  • Familiarity with flight test planning and execution processes.
  • Experience with data processing and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms.
  • Basic understanding of aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and flight test instrumentation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Willingness to travel and support on-site or remote test operations as required.

Apply