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Lead Flight Test Engineer Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Shield AI

Flight Test Engineer (R5006)

Wichita, KS

$115K - $215K/yr

Lead and coordinate pre-flight, flight, and post-flight activities, including system configuration ... test, unmanned/manned aircraft systems, aircraft integration, or aerospace systems engineering

Shield AI

Propulsion Test Engineer (R4380)

Wichita, KS

$150K - $230K/yr

Shield AI is seeking a highly experienced Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion test planning ... You will work closely with propulsion engineers, flight test teams, autonomy developers ...

SOGECLAIR

Project Management - Integrator Project

Wichita, KS · On-site

$88K - $104K/yr

This role will lead projects from planning through execution and completion, coordinating cross-functional engineering and flight test teams while managing schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and ...

Textron

Flight Mechanic A-AP

Wichita, KS · On-site

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

To perform mechanic work and lead other mechanics to prepare aircraft mechanically for flight test ... Works personally with engineering to troubleshoot the unusual and more difficult aircraft flight ...

Textron

Flight Mechanic A-AP

Wichita, KS · On-site

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

To perform mechanic work and lead other mechanics to prepare aircraft mechanically for flight test ... Works personally with engineering to troubleshoot the unusual and more difficult aircraft flight ...

Beechcraft Aircraft

Flight Mechanic A-AP

Wichita, KS · On-site

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

To perform mechanic work and lead other mechanics to prepare aircraft mechanically for flight test ... Works personally with engineering to troubleshoot the unusual and more difficult aircraft flight ...

Textron

Flight Mechanic A-AP

Wichita, KS

$25.75 - $33.75/hr

To perform mechanic work and lead other mechanics to prepare aircraft mechanically for flight test ... Works personally with engineering to troubleshoot the unusual and more difficult aircraft flight ...

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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 Kansas are hiring for Lead Flight Test Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Flight Test Engineer job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Flight Test Engineer

Newton, KS • On-site

Yoh - A Day & Zimmerman Company
See more jobs at Yoh - A Day & Zimmerman Companyexternal

$65 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Yoh has an exciting, contract opportunity for a Flight Test Engineer ECS & Thermal Systems to join our Aerospace & Defense client in Newton, KS. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineer who can work onsite in a hands-on flight-test environment supporting the evaluation of environmental control and aircraft thermal management systems.
See below for abbreviated job responsibilities and requirements. If after reviewing, you are interested in learning more about this, or other engineering opportunities, please apply with your updated resume ASAP.
Title: Flight Test Engineer ECS & Thermal Systems
Location: Newton, KS (Onsite)
Compensation: $65-80/hr DOE
Type: 6-Month Contract, Full-Time
Eligibility: Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable U.S. export-control regulations due to the nature of the technical data and systems involved.
Responsibilities
  • Provide onsite engineering support for experimental aircraft flight-test activities involving Environmental Control Systems (ECS), cooling systems, and thermal performance.
  • Develop a detailed understanding of aircraft systems, equipment locations, instrumentation, and relevant test configurations.
  • Build, update, and review real-time test-data displays used to monitor aircraft performance during ground and flight operations.
  • Staff the flight-test console and monitor key system parameters, including temperatures, liquid-cooling performance, airflow/fan operation, and other identified areas of technical risk.
  • Coordinate with design engineers and flight-test personnel to evaluate system behavior and identify potential thermal or equipment concerns during testing.
  • Communicate real-time observations and technical information to Test Conductors, Test Directors, and other engineering personnel during flight operations.
  • Process, analyze, and review flight-test data to assess system performance and support engineering conclusions.
  • Prepare technical documentation, engineering summaries, and formal test reports based on collected data and test results.
  • Provide limited assistance with test preparation, procedures, and planning activities as needed.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working with engineering test data, including data reduction, analysis, technical review, and report preparation.
  • Proficiency with data-analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, Excel, or comparable engineering software.
  • Ability to interpret engineering schematics, test procedures, instrumentation outputs, and other technical documentation.
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, onsite testing environment.
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Newton, KS and travel periodically to Frisco, TX as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience supporting formal aircraft or aerospace flight-test programs.
  • Familiarity with IADS or comparable real-time test-data visualization and monitoring platforms.
  • Knowledge of aircraft Environmental Control Systems (ECS), liquid-cooling systems, forced-air cooling, fans, or other thermal-management technologies.
  • Experience communicating via radio in a flight-test control room or similar operational environment.
  • Hands-on familiarity with test instrumentation used to measure temperature, pressure, flow, or related engineering parameters.

Estimated Min Rate: $52.50
Estimated Max Rate: $80.00
What s In It for You?
We welcome you to be a part of the largest and legendary global staffing companies to meet your career aspirations. Yoh s network of client companies has been employing professionals like you for over 65 years in the U.S., UK and Canada. Join Yoh s extensive talent community that will provide you with access to Yoh s vast network of opportunities and gain access to this exclusive opportunity available to you. Benefit eligibility is in accordance with applicable laws and client requirements. Benefits include:
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
  • MetLife Voluntary Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401K Retirement Savings Plan
  • Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
  • Referral Bonus Programs
  • Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description. All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.
Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Visit ;/strong> to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.
For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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