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Flight Test Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX

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 ...

SpaceX

Propulsion Engineer (Raptor Test)

Mcgregor, TX · On-site

PROPULSION ENGINEER (RAPTOR TEST) The propulsion engineer is responsible for ensuring Raptor engines and components have been tested and qualified to function in flight conditions. Our engineers ...

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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 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.

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 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.

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Skyways

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Skyways designs, builds, and operates fully autonomous long-range cargo aircraft. Founded in 2017, the company has spent the last eight years developing and deploying autonomous logistics systems for real-world operations.
Our V2 aircraft carries 30 lbs up to 500 miles, while our next-generation V3 carries 100 lbs over 1,000+ miles with 20+ hours of endurance. Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane, enabling long-range autonomous delivery without traditional runway infrastructure.
Today, Skyways aircraft operate across three continents in controlled national airspace under FAA oversight and in support of U.S. military operations. We are transitioning from prototype development to full-rate production and scaling toward large autonomous cargo fleets.
Backed by Y Combinator and a $37M AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force, Skyways is creating a new form of transportation to advance our civilization from Austin, Texas.
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 integrated aircraft hardware. Your work will directly impact aircraft reliability, development speed, and flight readiness.
You will build the infrastructure needed to test complex systems quickly and accurately, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and automated test workflows. The role requires strong engineering fundamentals, hands-on execution, and the ability to diagnose problems across mechanical and electrical systems.
You will work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and flight test teams to identify failures early, improve system reliability, and support rapid aircraft iteration.
The ideal candidate is comfortable building test systems from scratch, troubleshooting hardware issues directly, and operating in fast-moving hardware development environments.
What You'll Do:
  • Develop and execute subsystem test plans for aircraft hardware and integrated systems
  • Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and data acquisition systems
  • Support testing across structures, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, and integrated aircraft hardware
  • Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis are built and run across the team
  • Analyze test data and identify system failures, performance gaps, and reliability issues
  • Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and integration issues during testing activities
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to improve subsystem performance and validation processes
  • Develop automated test workflows, documentation, and test procedures
  • Support ground testing, aircraft integration, and flight test activities

What You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems, including building test infrastructure from scratch
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience developing and executing tests for complex hardware systems
  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems
  • Experience analyzing test data and diagnosing system-level issues
  • Ability to work directly with hardware in lab, production, or flight test environments
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-moving engineering environments

Bonus Points If You've:
  • Participated in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, Solar Car, Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition, Design Build Fly (DBF), FIRST Robotics, Battlebots, etc.
  • Experience with aerospace, UAV, robotics, automotive, or other high-performance hardware systems
  • Experience supporting propulsion, battery, avionics, or environmental testing
  • Familiarity with Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or automated test frameworks
  • Experience supporting flight test or operational hardware deployments
  • Experience with environmental, vibration, thermal, or structural testing

Want to join our mission? Apply to learn more!
Due to U.S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or candidates from specific countries authorized under applicable export control regulations.
Skyways is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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