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Freelance Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insitu, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer

Bingen, WA · On-site

Join Insitu's Flight Test Engineering team and help shape the future of unmanned aviation. We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer who is excited to work hands-on with cutting-edge UAV systems ...

New

Electra

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands ...

Electra

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $170K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of ...

Insitu

Flight Test Engineer

Bingen, WA

Join Insitu's Flight Test Engineering team and help shape the future of unmanned aviation. We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer who is excited to work hands-on with cutting-edge UAV systems ...

New

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

Ursa Major

Flight Test Engineer

Berthoud, CO

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

MORSE Corp

Flight Test Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Staff Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$173K - $219K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Staff Fight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to be a technical leader in a broad scope of the ...

Mach Industries

Flight Test Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

This position will specialize in flight test engineering, operations, and testing of developing UAS aircraft. You will report directly to the head of flight ops and work with system engineering leads ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Electra Aero, Inc.

Flight Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

Flight Test Engineer About Electra: At Electra, we're building the EL9 - a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands ...

Astrion

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $114K/yr

Overview Senior Flight Test Engineer LOCATION: Huntsville, AL STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Ability to Obtain Secret $5000 SIGN ON BONUS Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Flight Test Engineer makes sure every Icarus flight produces clean, trustworthy engineering data. You build the test cards and criteria, oversee their execution in the field, jump in on parameter ...

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Freelance Flight Test Engineer information

See salary details

$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Jul 12, 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.

More about Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Flight Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Flight Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs are:
Freelance Flight Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.
Flight Test Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Insitu, Inc.

Bingen, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

New

Job description

Join Insitu's Flight Test Engineering team and help shape the future of unmanned aviation.
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer who is excited to work hands-on with cutting-edge UAV systems-planning, executing, and analyzing flight and ground tests that directly impact product performance, reliability, and safety.
In this role, you will define and refine test objectives across multiple platforms, operate and oversee test articles and instrumentation, and validate that system performance meets rigorous requirements. You'll be deeply involved in the full test lifecycle: developing test conditions, conducting flights, collecting and analyzing data, documenting deficiencies, and translating results into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations.
This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy being close to the hardware, applying core engineering disciplines to real-world test environments, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in complex aerospace systems.
As a member of the Flight Test Engineering team you will:
  • Write the Test Plan and Test Cards with support from Insitu Subject Matter Experts
  • Perform hazard analysis and create mitigation plans
  • Participate in the test as a Test Conductor, often as the Pilot In Command
  • Write flight test reports to support verification and validation efforts
  • Assist in aircraft troubleshooting and mishap investigations

Required skills:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Strong problem-solving abilities, careful attention to detail, open to taking direction and adapting to course corrections
  • Willingness to learn and contribute to improve the reliability and performance of our products
  • Ability to obtain FAA Class II Medical
  • Travel up to 25%

Desired skills:
  • Experience writing and executing Test Plans/Procedures
  • Understanding of MATLAB, specific experience analyzing test data is a plus
  • Experience performing hazard analysis and creating mitigation plans
  • UAS operator experience
  • Knowledge of FAA conformity and Type Certification
  • Knowledge of US military type certification
  • Experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems
  • Experience with safety critical systems desired
  • Experience with telemetry systems
  • Experience performing Electromagnetic Interference/ Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree of Science from an accredited course of study, in engineering or computer science.
  • Typical experience: 2-4 years in an engineering classification or 0-2 years experience with a Master's degree.

At Insitu, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Insitu also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire.
Please note that the salary information show below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.
Typical Hiring Range: -
Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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