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Freelance Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107.40K - $174.05K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Elroy Air

Flight Test Engineer

Byron, CA

The Flight Test Engineer at Elroy Air will drive the development and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft reshaping middle-mile logistics. You'll architect and execute ...

MORSE Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Cambridge, MA

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 ...

Sceye, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

JetZero

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

JetZero is seeking a Senior Flight Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and analysis of experimental aircraft flight tests supporting upcoming JetZero full scale demonstrator. This role ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

LTA Research

Flight Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$85K - $140K/yr

We are seeking a Flight Test Engineer to work closely as part of the Flight Test team, working with ground and flight operations, engineering, and other LTA teams, to develop test plans and to direct ...

SCEYE INC

Flight Test Engineer

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Moriarty, NM Reports to: Chief of Mission Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications ...

Bombardier

Flight Test Engineer

Wichita, KS · On-site

The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering discipline or have previous experience within a flight test engineering organization. Product specific development and training will be ...

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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 ...

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Freelance Flight Test Engineer information

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$134.9K

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How much do freelance flight test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance flight test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Flight Test Engineer vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectFreelance Flight Test EngineerFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, pilot licenses, and specialized flight testing certificationsUsually holds engineering degrees and certifications, often employed full-time by aerospace companies
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often working remotely or on-site at testing facilitiesEmployed by aerospace firms, working on dedicated test programs in controlled environments
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance consultants or contractors in aerospace and defense sectorsFull-time employees within aerospace manufacturers, government agencies, or testing organizations

Freelance Flight Test Engineers operate independently on specific projects, offering specialized expertise, while Flight Test Engineers are typically employed full-time by organizations to oversee and execute flight testing programs. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment structure and work setup.

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Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Joby Aviation

Marina, CA • On-site

$107.40K - $174.05K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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 Flight Test Engineer 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
  • Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test.
  • Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis.
  • Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables.
  • Coordinates with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution.
  • Works as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests.
  • Reports on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations.
  • Advises the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test.
  • Completes administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation.
  • Assists with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing.
  • Develops flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Other duties as assigned or required.

Required
  • Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training.
  • Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines.
  • Strong technical and analytical skills.
  • Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required.
  • Read and speak English proficiently.
  • At least 30% travel required

Desired
  • FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience.
  • Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar.
  • Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test.
  • Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire.
  • 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 $107,400 - $174,049/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.

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