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Flight Test Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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

$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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

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 ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA

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 ...

Mach Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS aircraft. You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads ...

JetZero

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

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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 Aug 6, 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.

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 is a flight test?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,494 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA • On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
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 flight test plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
  • Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
  • Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
  • Other duties as assigned or required

Required
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
  • Strong technical and analytical skills
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
  • Read and speak English proficiently
  • At least 30% travel required

Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
  • Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C

Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,000/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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