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Flight Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

Flight Test Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85 - $95/hr

804 Technology is currently seeking a Flight Test Engineer for a contract job opportunity that is Hybrid remote and in Seattle WA. The primary role in this position is as a Flight Test Engineer who ...

Title- Manufacturing Engineer 3 (Flight Test) Location- Tukwila, WA Duration- 12 Months Top Must-Haves / Requirements * :Manufacturing Engineering experience in Aerospace/Aviation industr ...

New

As a Flight Test Technician, you will be responsible for the testing and validation of aircraft systems, ensuring their performance and safety. This position will collaborate with engineers and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

As Flight Test Engineer at MORSE, you are a critical member of the team taking vehicles from concept to flight leading fast-paced, iterative, and rigorous test campaigns managing both local and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're pioneering sustainable aviation by developing hybrid-electric Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft designed to transform regional air ...

Overview Flight Test Engineer JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret Astrion is seeking an intermediate level Flight Test Engineer to support Missile ...

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are ...

As a Flight Test Engineer, you'll serve as the on-site technical authority regarding Ursa Major's hypersonic products, supporting system integration, operations, testing, and flight for customer ...

The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight tests. The successful candidate may be given an opportunity to lead a ...

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

The role involves developing flight test program strategies as well as execution of both development and certification flight tests. The successful candidate may be given an opportunity to lead a ...

Test documentation and reporting, including technical review and generation of test plans, instructions, test limitations and post flight reports * Coordination of test aircraft and experimental ...

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Flight Test information

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$85K

$115K

$137.5K

How much do flight test jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight test in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $130,000.00 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 much do flight test engineers get paid?

Flight test engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in aerospace hubs or with large defense contractors.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior aerospace engineers, especially those working in flight test or with extensive experience in aircraft development, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized skills, advanced certifications, leadership roles, or working in high-cost regions within the aerospace industry.

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 in managerial positions may 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 does a flight tester do?

A flight tester evaluates aircraft performance, safety, and handling by conducting test flights and analyzing data. They work closely with engineers to identify issues and ensure aircraft meet regulatory standards, often using specialized instruments and adhering to strict safety protocols.

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.
More about Flight Test jobs
What cities are hiring for Flight Test jobs? Cities with the most Flight Test job openings:
What states have the most Flight Test jobs? States with the most job openings for Flight Test jobs include:
Infographic showing various Flight Test job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,999 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Senior Flight Test Engineer (Flight Test Technical Expert)

Senior Flight Test Engineer (Flight Test Technical Expert)

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA

$154K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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 Senior Flight Test Engineer (Technical Expert) 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 Headcourters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the execution of development, company, and certification flight testing of Joby S4 aircraft:
  • Develop flight test methods for our new and novel eVTOL aircraft to show compliance to FAA's airworthiness criteria as an expert in the assigned technical area(s) (Flying Qualities, Handling Qualities, aircraft systems, propulsion, avionics, and/or human factors),
  • Responsibilities also include flight test planning, flight test readiness reviews, flight test support as part of the flight test crew, real-time data monitoring, and post-flight reporting.
  • Develop flight test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles, from experimental development through certification flight test, with focus on assigned technical areas.
  • Collaborate with test pilots and other engineering groups across the company to develop flight test plans and ensure safe and effective test execution.
  • Advise flight test pilots of the nature of the data to inform real-time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
  • Report on completed tests, including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
  • Complete administrative work associated with testing, including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management, and test card creation.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
  • Develop expert-level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
  • Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary for safe vehicle operation in accordance with established operating procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.
Required
  • Passion for flight testing and willingness to learn about our new and novel aircraft.
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
  • Expert-level knowledge in one or more of the technical areas, including familiarity with FAA AC 23-8C, AC 27-1B, and other applicable industry standards:
    • Flying Qualities and Handling Qualities
    • Performance
    • Loads and flutter
    • Aircraft systems and/or propulsion
    • Avionics
    • Human factors
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate across a wide range of technical disciplines.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Proficiency in reading and speaking English.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours and travel up to 30%
Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
  • Experience as a Test Conductor.
  • Working experience with data analysis tools such as Matlab, Python, or similar.
  • Civil aircraft certification experience, including familiarity with ARP 4754 processes.
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL with fly-by-wire systems.
  • Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member.
  • Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C.

Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $154,600 - $206,100/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. 

Additional Information

Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME