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Lead Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during ...

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of ... Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

... lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or ... Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

... lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or ... Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

... lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or ... Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

... lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or ... Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification ...

Flight Test Engineer

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

... lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headcourters at Marina, CA, or ... Conducts engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification ...

FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - CAMARILLO, CA We are advancing flight control and automation technology ... Plan, organize, and lead data collection ground tests to support flight test campaigns. * Conduct ...

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Lead Flight Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$122.2K

$178.1K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead flight test engineer in California is $122,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead flight test engineer?

A Lead Flight Test Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the testing of aircraft to ensure they meet safety and performance standards. They work closely with pilots, engineers, and regulatory authorities to design test procedures, analyze flight data, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during tests. This role typically involves both hands-on technical work and leadership responsibilities, ensuring that all testing is conducted safely and efficiently. Lead Flight Test Engineers play a critical role in the development and certification of new aircraft and aircraft systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead flight test engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Flight Test Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, flight test principles, and experience with test planning and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and safety regulation compliance—often verified through certifications like FAA DER or equivalent—is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication set top performers apart in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing test projects. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate evaluation of aircraft systems, which is critical for certification and operational readiness.

How does a lead flight test engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a flight test campaign?

As a Lead Flight Test Engineer, you will regularly collaborate with pilots, avionics specialists, maintenance crews, and data analysts to ensure that flight tests run smoothly and safely. Coordination involves developing test plans, conducting pre- and post-flight briefings, and troubleshooting issues that arise during testing. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as you must align goals, delegate tasks, and synthesize input from diverse team members to achieve successful test outcomes. This collaborative environment provides valuable experience in cross-functional teamwork and project management.

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

AspectLead Flight Test EngineerFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, certifications like FAA or EASA, extensive flight test experienceBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, some certifications, less extensive experience needed
Work EnvironmentLeading test teams, coordinating test plans, overseeing safety protocolsAssisting in flight tests, executing test procedures, collecting data
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace manufacturers, defense contractorsAircraft manufacturers, aerospace research centers, military agencies

The main difference between a Lead Flight Test Engineer and a Flight Test Engineer lies in responsibility and experience. The Lead Flight Test Engineer oversees test planning, team coordination, and safety, requiring more experience and leadership skills. The Flight Test Engineer primarily assists with executing tests and data collection. Both roles are essential in aerospace testing but differ in scope and seniority.

What cities in California are hiring for Lead Flight Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lead Flight Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lead Flight Test Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,163 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Lead Flight Test Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $163,000 to $203,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

The Lead Flight Test Engineer works with engineers and other functions to ensure component, subsystem, and system/aircraft tests are well planned and well executed. They are energetic in participating in projects to draw out test requirements early, ensuring test complexity is understood up front, and that testing objectives can be met by the allotted equipment and time. The Lead Test Engineer also works closely with personnel providing support to customers and operators, providing their expertise to diagnose and resolve issues in the field. The Lead Test Engineer leads small teams of mixed functions through test activities and takes ownership of those activities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.    

  • Working with design and test requirements to generate test plans  
  • Evaluates testing standards required for various efforts, and incorporates into plans  
  • Leads the conduct of tests and coordinates other personnel to accomplish test goals.  
  • Provides detailed and helpful feedback, both formal and informal, to design activities  
  • Assists all functions in resolution of issues  
  • Communicates plans and status vs. plans to leadership 
  • This role will require up to 25% travel to other company locations and client sites 

REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position: 

  • B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar) 
  • At least 6 years' experience in conducting formal test at the component, subsystem, and system level  
  • At least 4 years' experience in conducting test of aircraft/UAVs  
  • Experience generating formal test plans and reports  
  • Test Planning  
  • Test setup and field equipment deployment, including remote locations  
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting  
  • Working cooperatively with a team  
  • Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel)  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience generating formal test plans and reports in government format(s)  
  • Experience generating test plans based on formal requirements documents  
  • Experience working with CAN and Ethernet data 
  • UAV operation  
  • Radio Control or other flight skills  

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

  • Matching 401(k)
  • Paid PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • HSA and FSA Options
  • Critical Care Plan
  • Accident Care Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.