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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Integration and Test Engineer NGB-12.24

Andrews, MD ยท On-site

$109K - $147K/yr

Provide avionics, mechanical, maintenance and structural integration engineering support for the ... Provide program test support and coordination for aircraft ground and flight test. * Assist the ...

Integration and Test Engineer NGB-12.24

MD ยท On-site

$109K - $147K/yr

Provide avionics, mechanical, maintenance and structural integration engineering support for the ... Provide program test support and coordination for aircraft ground and flight test. * Assist the ...

Analyzing maps, reports, drawings, as-builts, test results, Geotech reports, and surveys for design ... Strong knowledge of Structural Engineering principles and techniques with reference to construction ...

Analyzing maps, reports, drawings, as-builts, test results, Geotech reports, and surveys for design ... Strong knowledge of Structural Engineering principles and techniques with reference to construction ...

Analyzing maps, reports, drawings, as-builts, test results, Geotech reports, and surveys for design ... Strong knowledge of Structural Engineering principles and techniques with reference to construction ...

Your duties will include writing test plans, coordinating and executing testing, and analyzing ... Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and practices. * Experience applying ...

Your duties will include writing test plans, coordinating and executing testing, and analyzing ... Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and practices. * Experience applying ...

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Showing results 1-20

Structural Test Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$67.4K

$84.9K

$100.8K

How much do structural test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural test engineer in Washington is $84,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $93,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or civil engineering, experience with structural analysis, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and finite element analysis (FEA) tools is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and safe, innovative solutions for structural systems.

How does a Structural Test Engineer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during a project?

Structural Test Engineers play a key role in bridging the gap between design, testing, and manufacturing teams. They work closely with design engineers to understand product specifications and identify critical areas for structural testing. During prototype and production phases, they coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure that test samples accurately reflect intended build quality and incorporate feedback from test results to optimize designs. This collaborative approach ensures that products meet safety and performance standards while streamlining the development process.

What does a Structural Test Engineer do?

A Structural Test Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and conducting tests on structures and components to ensure they meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards. They analyze materials and structural behavior under various loads and conditions, using both physical testing and simulation tools. Their role often involves working with aerospace, automotive, civil, or manufacturing industries to validate designs, troubleshoot failures, and recommend improvements. The findings from their tests help inform design decisions and ensure the integrity and safety of products and structures.

What is the difference between Structural Test Engineer vs Civil Test Engineer?

AspectStructural Test EngineerCivil Test Engineer
CertificationsPE, SE, NDT certificationsPE, ACI certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, laboratories, field testing locations
Industry UsageStructural components, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingBuildings, infrastructure, transportation projects

Both roles focus on testing structural components, but Structural Test Engineers primarily work on testing structural elements in manufacturing or aerospace settings, while Civil Test Engineers focus on testing construction materials and infrastructure components. The choice depends on the industry and specific testing environment.

Infographic showing various Structural Test Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,944 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Principal Systems Test Engineer (Aerospace)

Electra

Manassas, VA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Principal Systems 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 of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matter at this stage - and this role is no exception.

The Role

As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development of Electra's ground test infrastructure and instrumentation capability. This is a hands-on leadership role - you'll mentor junior engineers, own the architecture of our simulation labs, and build the data management and automated test processes that engineering depends on to move the EL9 toward certification.

What You'll Do

  • Lead and mentor development of software and hardware in the loop simulation labs (e.g., hybrid propulsion copper bird; SIL/HIL labs for flight controls, avionics, and aircraft as a whole; engineering flight simulators; static and dynamic structural testing).
  • Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition capabilities for ground and flight test.
  • Lead and mentor data management of all testing for use by engineering.
  • Build automated test processes requiring custom interfaces amongst disparate RTOS system models and hardware.
  • Serve as a key contact for all ground testing and instrumentation with internal customer organizations.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's in Aerospace or related engineering degree or equivalent experience (aerospace/electrical/mechanical preferred).
  • 10+ years experience in systems ground tests and instrumentation, preferably experience with test and evaluation at an aircraft manufacturer.
  • CAA (FAA/EASA) aircraft certification experience preferred.
  • U.S. Person preferred.
  • Bonus Points
  • Experience with hybrid-electric propulsion or high-voltage electrical systems test.
  • Familiarity with FAA Part 23 or Part 25 ground and flight test certification requirements.
  • Experience with large-scale ground test programs or iron bird development.
  • US Person (Citizen or Green Card) preferred.

Compensation:

$150,000 โ€“ $180,000 annually. This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
  • Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
  • Paid winter break
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting
  • Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
  • Free on-site parking