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Flight Test Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight test, demonstrations, system integration, product development, and certification. Additionally, you ...

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight test, demonstrations, system integration, product development, and certification. Additionally, you ...

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform integration laboratory testing events, and the associated analysis of test data. The position is located ...

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform integration laboratory testing events, and the associated analysis of test data. The position is located ...

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform integration laboratory testing events, and the associated analysis of test data. The position is located ...

Lockheed Martin Flight Operations is looking for an energetic test pilot who wants to make a difference. We want a person who is willing to provide leadership, apply technical acumen, and make the ...

In this role, you will be supporting the successful completion of flight test events, platform integration laboratory testing events, and the associated analysis of test data. The position is located ...

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 ...

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 Jul 29, 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.
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.

Senior Specialist Flight Test EngineerEngineering

L3Harris Technologies

Richardson, TX

$74K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Flight Test Engineer
Job Number: 39824
Job Location: Richardson, TX
Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris Agile Development Group (ADG) is seeking a Flight Test Engineer to join the Flight Test and Evaluation team in support of developmental and operational test activities for unmanned aircraft and missile systems. This role leads complex test events across engineering, flight test, maintenance, and program teams from planning through execution and reporting. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical judgment, disciplined test execution, and the ability to keep challenging efforts organized and moving forward.

The Agile Development Group (ADG) specializes in developing disruptive, next-generation technologies for advanced Unmanned Air Systems (UAS / UAV), advanced radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and other RF sensor technologies.

Essential Functions:

  • Plan and execute ground and flight test events for unmanned aircraft and missile systems.
  • Develop test objectives, procedures, test cards, evaluation criteria, readiness review materials, and test reports.
  • Lead or participate in test readiness reviews, pre-test briefings, and post-test debriefs to confirm event readiness, communicate risk, capture results, and define follow-on actions.
  • Coordinate vehicle configuration, instrumentation, staffing, logistics, scheduling, and range support for each test event.
  • Lead or support complex test operations by coordinating with flight operations, ground support crews, air traffic control, range personnel, and other external stakeholders as required to maintain safe execution, strong team communication, and day-to-day technical alignment.
  • Support integration, checkout, and verification of avionics, propulsion, flight controls, payload interfaces, and other hardware and software, as applicable.
  • Identify hazards, assess risk, and ensure testing is conducted within approved procedures and safety limits.
  • Lead preparation and coordination of airworthiness and safety approval packages required to support ground and flight test.
  • Review telemetry, instrumentation, mission results, and operator observations; document anomalies; support root-cause investigations; and define follow-on testing.
  • Work with engineering, operations, and program leadership to refine requirements, resolve issues, and improve test methods.
  • Support developmental, integration, qualification, environmental, acceptance, and operationally focused test efforts across hardware and software.
  • Travel to test locations and support remote-site operations, including extended work hours during active test windows, as required.

Qualifications:

  • Active U.S. DoD Secret security clearance required; must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, or another relevant technical field, and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience developing and executing test plans, procedures, and reporting packages for technically complex systems.
  • Strong knowledge of test planning, technical problem-solving, data review, and anomaly resolution.
  • Experience leading airworthiness and flight clearance efforts for developmental test, including preparation and coordination of approval packages such asMFR,AWR, andIFC
  • Ability to manage complex assignments with general oversight, coordinate cross-functional test activities, and provide technical guidance within the test team.
  • Experience working across engineering, operations, maintenance, safety, and program teams, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Familiarity with the operating rules, range constraints, and approval considerations governing unmanned aircraft or missile system test activities.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% to test locations and work extended hours during active test windows.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • 6+ years of relevant experience in flight test, developmental test, or test and evaluation for complex aerospace systems.
  • Experience supporting developmental or integration test activities for unmanned aircraft, missile systems, or related aerospace platforms.
  • Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, telemetry systems, data reduction workflows, and post-mission analysis tools.
  • Experience with subsystem integration and verification involving avionics, propulsion, flight controls, mission systems, or release mechanisms.
  • Experience with test safety planning, hazard analysis, and operational risk controls for flight or range activities.
  • Experience working at remote sites and coordinating with internal teams, site personnel, and external partners.
  • Familiarity with scripting or data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering toolsets.
  • Experience with Linux-based systems, mission planning software, or vehicle control and monitoring tools.

#LI-KM1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time