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Flight Test Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Skyways

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you'll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft's performance, safety, and reliability. You'll define ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

The Opportunity As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you'll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft's performance, safety, and reliability. You'll define ...

Anduril Industries

Flight Test Operator

Fort Stockton, TX · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

This position will be filled with a highly motivated Flight Test Operator with a passion for flying small uncrewed fixed wing aircraft in support of flight test operations. You will work heavily with ...

Skyways

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Austin, TX

The Opportunity As a Senior Flight Test Engineer, you'll own the planning, execution, and analysis of flight tests that validate our aircraft's performance, safety, and reliability. You'll define ...

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Flight Test information

See Texas salary details

$79.2K

$107.1K

$128.1K

How much do flight test jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test in Texas is $107,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $121,100.00 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 Texas? For Flight Test jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Flight Test jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Flight Test jobs in Texas are:
Flight Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flight Test job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,140 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer

Delta Black Aerospace Inc

Mckinney, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description:

ABOUT DELTA BLACK AEROSPACE


Delta Black Aerospace is a U.S.-based OEM redefining unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for mission-critical defense applications. Founded and led by former Warfighters and senior industry Subject Matter Experts, Delta Black is developing the RAIDER 330 — a patented Group 3 UAS delivering Group 4 capabilities. The RAIDER 330 features true Hybrid-Electric Propulsion (HEPS), Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and Extreme Short Takeoff and Landing


(E-STOL). Headquartered in McKinney, TX, Delta Black moves at 5x the pace of traditional defense primes.


POSITION OVERVIEW


Delta Black Aerospace is seeking an experienced Flight Test Engineer to plan, execute, and analyze flight test campaigns for the RAIDER 330 UAS. This is a foundational role in the company’s path to fielding a certified, combat-proven Group 3 UAS. You will be responsible for developing the flight test program from initial ground runs through envelope expansion, payload integration, and operational mission profiles — including VTOL, E-STOL, hybrid-electric transitions, and GPS-denied operations. The right candidate combines rigorous test methodology with the operational instincts of someone who understands how warfighters will use this system.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES


» Develop and manage the RAIDER 330 flight test program including test plans, test cards, and data requirements for all flight phases

» Execute flight test sorties coordinating with ground pilots, safety pilots, and ground crew

» Perform envelope expansion testing for VTOL, E-STOL, and fixed-wing cruise regimes including hybrid-electric propulsion transitions

» Collect, reduce, and analyze flight test data; author test reports and performance characterization briefs

» Conduct safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, and develop test safety plans for all test events

» Coordinate flight test logistics including test site access, airspace coordination, range safety compliance, and regulatory liaison (FAA COA or COA waivers)

» Work with integration engineers to define instrumentation requirements and ensure proper data capture for all test objectives

» Support payload integration flight tests including ISR sensor checkout, MBM module validation, and Multi-INT platform verification

» Conduct GPS-denied environment testing and evaluate navigation system robustness in contested conditions

» Document and disposition anomalies; drive corrective action to closure in coordination with design engineers

» Prepare and brief test readiness reviews (TRRs) and present results to internal leadership and government customers

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS


» Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline

» 5+ years of flight test experience on fixed-wing, rotary-wing, or UAS platforms

» Experience developing and executing formal flight test plans, test cards, and envelope expansion programs

» Proficiency with flight test data acquisition, reduction, and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)

» Familiarity with FAA UAS regulatory framework including Part 107, COA operations, and BVLOS waivers

» Strong written communication skills for test reports, anomaly reports, and briefing materials

» Experience operating in field environments with physical demands associated with remote test site operations

» Understanding of airworthiness documentation and configuration control in a test program context


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS


» USAF, USN, USA, or USMC flight test training (TPS graduate or equivalent service school) strongly preferred

» Experience as a UAS operator, pilot, or rated aviator with operational flight hours

» Background with Group 2-5 UAS test programs

» Experience testing VTOL or hybrid propulsion aircraft

» Familiarity with GPS-denied operations and contested electromagnetic environment (EMCON) test procedures

» Experience with government test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E) programs or JOTT/JITC processes

» Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance

» Prior experience briefing senior military or government acquisition officials


SECURITY CLEARANCE


Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred. U.S. Citizenship required.


COMPENSATION & BENEFITS


» Competitive base salary commensurate with experience; equity participation available

» Full medical, dental, and vision benefits

» 401(k) with company contribution

» Travel to test sites domestically and potentially OCONUS — this role involves meaningful field time

» Opportunity to shape the test program for a groundbreaking defense UAS from early development through fielding

» Direct collaboration with former Warfighters and a leadership team that has been the end user