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Uav Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Lead, Flight Test Engineer Job Number: 42026 Job Location: Ashburn, VA Job Schedule: 9/80 ... UAS / UAV), advanced radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and other RF sensor ...

Swift Engineering

UAV Test Engineer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Plan and support ground tests, integration tests, and flight tests * Configure and operate test ... UAV design and performance * Close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... Experience with large UAV's and fixed wing aircraft * In-depth knowledge of Real Time Telemetry ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... Experience with large UAV's and fixed wing aircraft * In-depth knowledge of Real Time Telemetry ...

Hermeus

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$138K - $187K/yr

As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and ... Experience with large UAV's and fixed wing aircraft * In-depth knowledge of Real Time Telemetry ...

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Uav Flight Test Engineer information

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$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for uav flight test engineer in the United States is $134,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a UAV flight test engineer?

A UAV Flight Test Engineer is a professional responsible for planning, conducting, and analyzing flight tests of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They develop test procedures, monitor UAV performance during flight, and troubleshoot technical issues to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Their work helps validate new UAV designs, systems, or software before they are released for commercial or military use. UAV Flight Test Engineers often collaborate with design, software, and safety teams to improve UAV performance and reliability.

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

To thrive as a UAV Flight Test Engineer, a strong background in aerospace engineering, flight dynamics, and systems integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree, is essential. Familiarity with flight data acquisition systems, simulation software, and regulatory certifications such as Part 107 or equivalent is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, accurate, and efficient testing and validation of complex UAV systems in a rapidly evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by UAV flight test engineers during field testing, and how can they be managed?

UAV Flight Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols during field tests. Managing these challenges requires thorough pre-flight planning, familiarity with local aviation regulations, and effective communication with airspace authorities and team members. Additionally, quick troubleshooting skills and adaptability are essential, as unexpected technical issues can arise during testing. Being proactive and maintaining detailed documentation helps keep tests on track and supports continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Uav Flight Test Engineer vs Uav Systems Engineer?

AspectUav Flight Test Engineer
Required Credentials
Typically requires a degree in aerospace, aeronautical engineering, or related fields; certifications in flight testing or UAV operation are common.
Work Environment
Primarily conducts flight testing in controlled environments, test ranges, or on-site at manufacturing facilities.
Employer & Industry Usage
Employed by defense contractors, aerospace firms, or government agencies focusing on UAV testing and validation.

While Uav Flight Test Engineers focus on conducting and analyzing flight tests to validate UAV performance, Uav Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate UAV systems. Both roles require aerospace knowledge, but the Flight Test Engineer emphasizes testing procedures and flight operations, whereas the Systems Engineer concentrates on system architecture and integration.

What are popular job titles related to Uav Flight Test Engineer jobs?

For Uav Flight Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Uav Flight Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,885 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer & Pilot

San Francisco, CA • Remote

Allen Control Systems
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Allen Control Systemsexternal

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
ACS (Allen Control Systems) is a defense technology company building precision robotic systems for the United States and its allies. Founded by two former U.S. Navy electrical engineers with deep experience in robotics and software, ACS brings together AI, computer vision, precision motion, and advanced hardware to solve complex defense challenges across land, air, and maritime environments.

Our flagship product, Bullfrog, is an autonomous precision weapon system that transforms existing weapons into highly accurate counter-drone systems — giving warfighters a scalable, cost-effective response to one of the fastest-growing threats on the modern battlefield. Bullfrog is deployed with U.S. forces, and ACS works with organizations throughout the U.S. military and national security community.

Following a $200 million Series B at a $2.2 billion valuation, ACS is rapidly expanding manufacturing, accelerating Bullfrog deployments, and developing the next generation of autonomous battlefield systems. This is an opportunity to join a proven, fast-moving team and help scale technology with direct, real-world impact on national security.

ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional operations in Alexandria, Virginia; Mountain View, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. For more information, visit allencontrolsystems.com.

About The Role

We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer & Pilot to help organize and execute flight testing of a high-performance fixed-wing UAV. This is a full-time role. The ideal candidate owns flight test operations end-to-end: identifying a safe and legal test location, preparing the flight plan and safety process, and serving as or supporting remote Pilot-in-Command (PIC).

What You’ll Do

  • Manually fly and land a high-performance fixed-wing UAV (~20 kg, ~100 mph) in both FPV and line-of-sight configurations; perform pre-flight checks and make go/no-go calls with confidence on early, less-than-fully-tuned airframes.

  • Lead flight operations in compliance with Part 107 and applicable regulations; serve as or support remote Pilot-in-Command; provide feedback on airframe and controller performance after each flight.

  • Identify and secure suitable test locations; coordinate with landowners or relevant authorities as needed; help design and implement takeoff and landing solutions (catapult, truck launch, or landing gear).

  • Develop flight plans and safety processes for each test event; support the engineering team in translating test objectives into structured, safe flight profiles.

What You’ll Need

  • Demonstrated experience manually flying high-performance fixed-wing UAVs of significant mass and speed; comfort with both FPV and line-of-sight flight on aircraft that are not fully automated or tuned.

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with recent, active experience leading business flight operations and serving as remote PIC.

  • Strong safety mindset with the judgment to make independent go/no-go calls and identify risk before and during flight operations.

You’ll Stand Out

  • Experience with experimental or prototype UAV platforms where automation and tuning are still in development.

  • Background in defense, aerospace, or autonomous systems development.

  • Experience siting and permitting flight test areas, or familiarity with airspace authorization tools such as LAANC.

  • Engineering background or ability to read and interpret avionics, telemetry, and flight control data.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary

  • ACS Equity Package

  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #LI-AS1

Compensation Range: $100K - $175K