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Flight Test Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You'll Bring: * Strong fundamentals in control theory and aircraft or rotorcraft dynamics. * Experience ...

Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You'll Bring: * Strong fundamentals in control theory and aircraft or rotorcraft dynamics. * Experience ...

The Opportunity This role owns how aircraft systems are validated before flight. You will develop and execute subsystem test programs across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and ...

Write and own flight test plans with the team. * Manage a portion of the team's AI agents. What You'll Bring: * Strong fundamentals in control theory and aircraft or rotorcraft dynamics. * Experience ...

Showing results 21-40

Flight Test information

See Texas salary details

$79.2K

$107.1K

$128.1K

How much do flight test jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 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 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 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.

Do flight test engineers make good money?

Flight test engineers typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their specialized skills in aircraft testing, systems analysis, and safety protocols. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry sector, with many professionals earning above average wages in aerospace and defense industries. Certifications and technical expertise in avionics and testing tools can also influence earning potential.

How hard is it to become a flight test engineer?

Becoming a flight test engineer typically requires a strong background in aerospace engineering, aeronautics, or related fields, along with experience in aircraft systems and testing. Many professionals gain skills through a combination of a relevant degree, hands-on experience, and certifications such as FAA pilot or engineer licenses; the role can be technically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols.

How to become a flight test pilot?

To become a flight test pilot, individuals typically need a commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, extensive flight experience, and specialized training in aircraft systems and testing procedures. Many also hold an engineering degree or have experience in aircraft maintenance or aeronautics. Certification from agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or equivalent is often required, along with proficiency in test planning and safety protocols.
Infographic showing various Flight Test job openings in Texas 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 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,140 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

ORION Flight Operations Test Engineer

asrcfh

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

ASRC Federal System Solutions (AFSS) is hiring an ORION Flight Operations Test Engineer at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Mission Control Center (MCC), in Houston, TX.  Must be willing to travel to Denver, CO as required.

Role/Responsibilities:

  • You will be supporting ground and mission system integration and the operation support for mission preparations, readiness and execution from the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Mission Control Center (MCC) in Houston, TX.
  • You are a Specialty Engineer in Systems/Subsystems Integration and Test with human spaceflight mission operations experience to support Exploration Missions 1 and 2 (EM1 & EM2). Ability to integrate subsystem HW and SW functionality to support development of the Operations Data Book, Flight Operations Procedures, and the Stowage Capabilities and Services Handbook product deliverables.
  • Normal working hours will be a 9/80 work schedule: 1st shift MondayThursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with every other Friday off. Resources will be expected to adjust their schedule accordingly to support offshifts and weekend activities as needed. Assume 10% OT of ST hours.
  • Senior level engineering function that researches, develops, designs, and tests within, but not limited to the following functional disciplines: electrical components; mechanical products and systems such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy; software development activities, software inspection, testing, verification and validation; technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, cost and risk, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems; information technology related responsibilities including design, development, and analysis of computer systems or programs based on and related to user or system design specifications; layout for such processes as hardening, washing, laminating, etching, engraving, polishing, painting, plating, and other material-processing operations; mechanical analyses, such as Stress, Finite Element, and Vibration/Dynamic; conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with circuit designers and/or product line engineers in the design, development, and utilization of software to simulate the characteristics and parameters of integrated systems (IS) components, modules, or complete products under operating environment.

Requirements:

  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a related discipline and 5-7 years of experience or equivalent experience.

AFSS brings a 14-year history of delivering high-performance space systems engineering, integration and satellite operations services to civil and defense agencies.
AFSS provides these services throughout all phases of the program life cycle and across the entire space systems architecture, including space and ground assets.