ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer

Eglin, FL · On-site

Key Responsibilities Lead development of system performance requirements, test objectives, methods ... across flight test engineers, instrumentation teams, analysts, logisticians, aircrew, and ...

Astrion

Flight Test Engineer - SME

FL · On-site

Overview FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER - SME LOCATION: Eglin AFB, FL JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret ... Must be able to work effectively as part of a test team, and to lead and direct the work of others ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview This is a Flight Test Engineer (FTE) position for UAS development testing and designing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aviation electronic systems, and loitering munitions. The ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer

Eglin, FL · On-site

Develop and staff essential test documentation including MOTs, test plans, CONOPS, flight test cards, interim/final reports, TEMPs, and T&E strategies while coordinating with engineers, analysts ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL · On-site

Job Overview This is a Flight Test Engineer (FTE) position for UAS development testing and designing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aviation electronic systems, and loitering munitions. The ...

AEVEX

Flight Test Engineer 3

Tampa, FL

Job Overview This is a Flight Test Engineer (FTE) position for UAS development testing and designing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aviation electronic systems, and loitering munitions. The ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Flight Test Engineer JobsLead Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Florida

Lead Flight Test Engineer information

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 Florida are hiring for Lead Flight Test Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Flight Test Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Flight Test Engineer

Eglin, FL • On-site

Canvas
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Canvasexternal

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities Lead development of system performance requirements, test objectives, methods, detailed procedures, run cards, scripts, instrumentation requirements, and data collection approaches for DT&E and QT&E on C 130 platforms. Conduct expert level technical evaluations of requirement documents, system descriptions, modification proposals, and test requester inputs; assess system operability, integration, and functionality; and recommend improvements to enhance test feasibility and mission performance. Support test planning activities by participating in meetings, working groups, audits, briefings, TIMs, and reviews; prepare briefing materials, coordinate support resources, and ensure test objectives are appropriately defined and achievable.

Develop and staff MOTs, test plans, CONOPS, flight test cards, interim/final reports, TEMPs, T&E strategies, and related documentation; coordinate across flight test engineers, instrumentation teams, analysts, logisticians, aircrew, and supporting agencies. Support and oversee test execution-including flying as a non rated crewmember when authorized-by collecting data, validating instrumentation accuracy, conducting analysis, and preparing mission accomplishment and final reports in accordance with approved formats.Required Qualifications Over 10 years of applicable experience supporting fixed wing developmental or qualification testing, preferably with C 130 or similar platforms. Demonstrated ability to independently perform all mission critical test engineering duties and oversee or guide junior team members

Expertise in test design, instrumentation definition, data reduction, mathematical/statistical evaluation, and interpretation of results. Strong familiarity with Air Force and AFTC/96 TW test planning processes, safety criteria, documents, supplements, and mission execution standards. Experience coordinating test resources across ranges, airspace, aircraft maintenance, instrumentation, frequency management, and support agencies.Education & Certification Master's degree in an applicable engineering discipline required

Additional flight test or systems analysis training preferred.Clearance Requirement Active Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship required.

Apply