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Nasa Flight Test Systems Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Conduct technical evaluations of program requirements documents, system descriptions, and ... conductor or instrumentation operator; collect and reduce data; validate results and ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator, Amarillo

Amarillo, TX

$30 - $36/hr

Validate system performance through repeatable ground and flight test procedures across varied operating conditions * Troubleshoot and repair software and hardware issues on-site to safely and ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

... and systems behavior. * Run root cause analysis on anomalies and failures and drive them to ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Canvas Inc.

Conduct technical evaluations of program requirements documents, system descriptions, and ... conductor or instrumentation operator; collect and reduce data; validate results and ...

New

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA

... and systems behavior. * Run root cause analysis on anomalies and failures and drive them to ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Zipline

Flight Test Operator, Amarillo

Amarillo, TX

Our system strengthens supply chains, reduces congestion, and gives people time back. With more ... About You and The Role You are a hands-on Flight Test Operator focused on executing high-volume ...

Icarus

Flight Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

... and systems behavior. * Run root cause analysis on anomalies and failures and drive them to ... FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or experience operating unmanned aircraft. * Background ...

Boeing

Flight Test Lead

Berkeley, MO · On-site

Flight Test Operations ... Instrumentation & Data Systems - Test Software & Telemetry, System Design & Development, System ...

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How much do nasa flight test systems operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for nasa flight test systems operator in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NASA Flight Test Systems Operator?

NASA Flight Test Systems Operators are specialized professionals responsible for monitoring, operating, and troubleshooting flight systems during test missions. They work closely with engineers, pilots, and mission control teams to ensure all systems function correctly during test flights, both on aircraft and spacecraft. Their role is critical in validating new technologies, ensuring safety, and supporting the advancement of aerospace research. These operators must have in-depth technical knowledge and the ability to respond quickly to any anomalies during a test. Typically, they are involved in pre-flight preparations, real-time mission monitoring, and post-flight analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NASA Flight Test Systems Operator?

To thrive as a NASA Flight Test Systems Operator, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering or a related technical field, complemented by experience in test operations and systems integration. Familiarity with telemetry systems, flight data analysis tools, and specialized simulation software is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as FAA licenses or security clearances. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, accuracy, and success of complex flight test missions.

What are some unique challenges faced by a NASA Flight Test Systems Operator during live flight tests?

As a NASA Flight Test Systems Operator, one of the primary challenges is maintaining precise situational awareness while monitoring multiple complex systems simultaneously during live tests. Operators must quickly interpret data, troubleshoot anomalies in real time, and communicate efficiently with both flight crews and engineering teams. The high-stakes environment demands excellent decision-making skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, strict adherence to protocols and safety procedures is crucial to ensure both mission success and the safety of all personnel involved.

What does a Nasa Flight Test Systems Operator do?

A NASA Flight Test Systems Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and supporting flight test operations of aircraft or spacecraft systems. They ensure that all systems function correctly during tests, often using specialized software and equipment, and follow strict safety protocols. This role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment, often involving shift work and certifications related to aviation or aerospace systems.

What are popular job titles related to Nasa Flight Test Systems Operator jobs?

For Nasa Flight Test Systems Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nasa Flight Test Systems Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Mission Operator - Flight Test Engineer

Paso Robles, CA • On-site

Scout AI
See more jobs at Scout AIexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and execute structured flight tests to evaluate autonomy performance, flight stability, navigation, and mission behaviors

  • Operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) safely in real-world environments, including pre-flight, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight procedures

  • Collect, document, and organize flight and system data; identify failures, edge cases, and performance gaps

Job description

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work.

The Role
We're hiring a Flight Test Engineer to join our Mission Operations team. This role focuses on the development, testing, and operationalization of Scout's autonomous aerial systems. You will play a critical role in accelerating product development through disciplined flight testing, structured evaluation, and close collaboration with engineering.

You will be responsible for designing and executing structured flight test plans, operating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in real-world environments, collecting and analyzing flight and system data, and generating clear reports that drive engineering decisions. You will also support customer demonstrations and ensure systems are prepared for both internal testing and external deployment.

You will spend most of your time in the field at test ranges and flight environments. This role requires adaptability, strong technical aptitude, and the ability to move seamlessly between flight operations, troubleshooting systems, configuring payloads, and providing structured feedback to engineers. Your work directly drives flight safety, autonomy performance, and mission readiness.

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute structured flight tests to evaluate autonomy performance, flight stability, navigation, and mission behaviors
  • Operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) safely in real-world environments, including pre-flight, in-flight monitoring, and post-flight procedures
  • Conduct pre-flight inspections, system checks, and airworthiness assessments to ensure safe operation
  • Collect, document, and organize high-quality flight and system data; identify failures, edge cases, and performance gaps
  • Analyze flight test results and generate clear, concise reports with findings and actionable recommendations
  • Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and system-level issues in field environments
  • Support integration and validation of payloads, sensors (EO/IR, GPS, IMU), and autonomy software
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate flight test observations into prioritized product improvements
  • Support customer demonstrations and flight evaluations, ensuring systems are safe, reliable, and professionally executed
  • Contribute to the development of repeatable flight test procedures, safety protocols, and validation frameworks
  • Prepare and manage deployment logistics including aircraft setup, ground control systems, batteries, spares, and field site staging

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) or equivalent hands-on experience
  • 3+ years of experience operating, maintaining, or testing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, or similar platforms
  • Strong understanding of flight operations, safety procedures, and pre/post-flight workflows
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software systems
  • Experience executing structured test plans, collecting flight data, and documenting results clearly
  • Comfortable working in dynamic outdoor environments with frequent travel (25-50%)
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate closely with engineering and cross-functional teams
  • High ownership mentality, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and disciplined execution
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
  • Passion about defense of the United States and its allies
  • May be expected to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Why Join Scout

  • Work on the world's most important frontier, ensuring U.S. and allied dominance in the age of intelligent machines
  • Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
  • Collaborate with some of the top engineers in autonomy, AI, and national security
  • See your work deployed on real systems
  • Help define the future of intelligent defense systems
  • Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary and bonus
  • Meaningful equity
  • Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
  • Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar
  • Catered lunch daily and fully stocked kitchen
  • EV charging
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)

Apply