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Uav Flight Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Senior UAS Flight Test & Operations Engineer Boulder, CO USA COMPANY DESCRIPTION Flagship ... You will lead the operational framework for our fixed-wing UAV platform: from waiver strategy and ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed flight ...

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Salary Range: $84,137 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

Salary Range: $84,137 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

We have an opportunity for an experienced Flight Test Engineer to join our Flight Operations Team in Palmdale, California. Located at our Flight Operation Facility in Palmdale, CA, this Flight Test ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

VLinc Corporation is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support rotary-wing developmental test and evaluation. This is a hands-on role. You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew ...

Flight Test Engineer

Hollister, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

Flight Test Engineer

East Garrison, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

Flight Test Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $174K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of knowledge and skill that includes developing detailed ...

VLinc Corporation is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support rotary-wing developmental test and evaluation. This is a hands-on role. You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew ...

VLinc Corporation is looking for a Flight Test Engineer to support rotary-wing developmental test and evaluation. This is a hands-on role. You will plan test events, ride along as non-pilot aircrew ...

As a Flight Test Engineer , you will enable development and successful flight testing of Stratolaunch's hypersonic aircraft systems. You will provide effective leadership in the control room as a ...

Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MD ยท On-site

$84K - $120K/yr

Salary Range: $84,137 - $120,000 DCS Corp has an exciting potential opportunity supporting the Navy Test Wing Atlantic located at NAS Patuxent River, MD as a Flight Test Engineer. This position ...

Showing results 41-60

Uav Flight Test Engineer information

See salary details

$43.5K

$134.9K

$204K

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

As of Sep 13, 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.

Senior Flight Test Engineer

Atlanta, GA โ€ข On-site

Hermeus
Aviationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$138K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the fastest aircraft in the world today. By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the modern battlefield. We work with the Department of War to provide the high-speed capabilities our nation and its allies need to maintain a durable, asymmetric advantage.
About The Role:
As a Senior Flight Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will help plan, coordinate, and execute ground and flight test campaigns for advanced high-speed aircraft systems. This role sits at the center of flight operations, systems integration, mission planning, and test execution, working closely with engineering, certification, operations, and flight crews to ensure vehicles are safely configured and ready to meet program objectives. You will support everything from test planning and procedure development to test card generation, real-time execution, debriefs, data analysis, and reporting. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-moving test environments, can solve problems in real time, and brings strong judgment, technical rigor, and a deep commitment to safety.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform systems integration and test, mission planning for ground and flight tests of multiple systems under test
  • Coordinate efforts with other cross functional teams relating to design, fabrication, modification, testing and troubleshooting of aircraft systems
  • Coordinate engineering and certification activities for flight test vehicles
  • Determine and document aircraft installation, configuration, and integration requirements for flight test vehicles
  • Develop and maintain processes to ensure aircraft and systems configuration control
  • Work jointly with other cross functional team members to author ground and flight test plans and procedures, including safe and logical sequencing of test conditions to satisfy program requirements
  • Ensure that test planning requirements are met
  • On-site test management, including test card generation, briefing, debriefing, documenting test results, and test analysis
  • Perform data analysis and test report writing
  • Conduct/direct ground and flight tests as part of the flight crew in the ground control station
  • Must be capable of supporting off-site testing at austere sites for short term assignments (up to one - two months at a time)

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM subject
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace or aviation, with a focus on experimental flight testing
  • 1+ years of experience as Test Conductor/Test Director in an active flight test program
  • Strong understanding of aircraft systems and flight test procedures
  • In depth understanding of flight operations and air traffic management
  • Understanding of relevant civil and military requirements (FAR's, MIL-STD)
  • Familiarity of data acquisition systems, sensors, and telemetry equipment
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Willingness to travel up to 50%

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Experience with at least one other flight test program
  • Experience with large UAV's and fixed wing aircraft
  • In-depth knowledge of Real Time Telemetry, and RTT analysis tools (i.e.IADS, Netview, and/or Nominal)
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • A strong commitment to safety and attention to detail
  • Ability and willingness to learn and take on tasks outside of designated job duties, as needed
  • Able to work in (and lead) a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability and willingness to learn and take on tasks outside of town area
  • Basic skills in typical engineering programming languages such as Python/MATLAB
  • Ability to present effective engineering data to multi-disciplinary teams
  • Ability to prioritize, organize and track a wide variety of tasks and assignments
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Secret and/or Top Secret clearance

$138,550 - $187,450 a year
The salary range listed for this role is intended as a general guideline. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including role scope and responsibilities, relevant experience, education and training, key skills, market data, and business needs.
At Hermeus, compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. We offer competitive pay, equity, and a range of benefits designed to support our team.
Benefits:
  • Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid healthcare and pet insurance
  • Financial: Competitive pay, stock options, 401(k) retirement plan, and potential year-end bonuses
  • Time Off: Paid parental leave, 12 federal holidays, unlimited PTO for exempt employees, and generous accrued PTO for non-exempt employees
  • Office Perks: Weekly paid office lunches and fully stocked breakrooms

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by22 C.F.R. ยง 120.62or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.