What Is a Flight Test Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a flight test engineer, your job is to oversee testing the operations and performance of aircraft in line with FAA regulations and guidelines from the manufacturer. This job frequently involves planning, managing, coordinating, and executing a full spectrum of aircraft testing, including tests on all mechanical and electronic systems. Some details of this job vary based on the kinds of aircraft with which you work. Flight test engineers may work with everything from single-engine civilian aircraft to large, military planes. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a flight test engineer often requires meeting the qualifications for a security clearance, studying guides and technical manuals, contacting part manufacturers, and excellent communication skills.

The qualifications needed to start a career as a flight test engineer are a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Some employers may prefer a master’s degree, but practical experience in the field can make up for less education. As a flight test engineer, your responsibilities are to conduct tests on various aircraft and make sure they meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) performance regulations. Your job duties include establishing test criteria, planning and conducting test flights for different types of aircraft, and analyzing data from these tests. Your job involves collaboration with pilots and other aviation experts. You can find flight test engineer jobs with aerospace companies and the military.