Flight Test Engineer Jobs
Flight Test Engineer jobs are open across aerospace, defense, and aviation manufacturing, from entry-level to senior and chief engineer, with specializations in flight dynamics, avionics integration, and systems safety test. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 146+ Flight Test Engineer jobs
Standard Job Description
Manages the design, development, and testing of a variety of power plants, aircraft, missiles, and parts. Directs establishment of structural specifications, performance of stress analysis, and performance testing. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions.
Responsible for the management of resources required to safely and effectively plan and execute F-22 flight and ground test missions. These resources include developmental & operational test aircraft, Flight Test Engineers (FTEs), Discipline Engineers (DEs), and mission planners. Performs Full Spectrum Leadership duties and EVMS CAM Support as required and ensures FTE Test Directors and Test Conductors are qualified and maintain performance and currency levels established by the Squadron/Combined Test Force (CTF). Ensures testing is accomplished within Program Schedule constraints as well as F-22 program and local operating procedures. Ensures test aircraft are correctly modified and instrumented in advance of test execution of approved Test Execution Packages. Participates in technical and test planning meetings to include flight test readiness review boards, Test Execution Package reviews, flight clearance reviews and Aircraft Operating Limits reviews. Performs regular Integrated Product Team (IPT) and inter-site coordination. Ensures accurate and timely reporting of F-22 flight test program status and results. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, employee recognition, disciplinary actions, work assignments and salary.
DE direct reports will include but may not be limited to: Utilities & Subsystems (Fuel, Hydraulics, EPS, LGS, LSS, PTMS), Flight Control Systems (FLCS), Propulsion Integration, Flight Sciences, Other Mission Systems, Sensors & EW Weapons, Systems Integration, Flying Qualities, Loads, CNI, OMS.
The successful candidate will direct their teams through the operational support of the developmental test fleet of F-22 aircraft at Edwards AFB, or other sites as required, on the flight line and in the mission control room. This position requires frequent communication across the enterprise to conduct RCCA of vehicle systems issues, support and coordinate test fleet modifications, Weight and Balance activities, ground test events, and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing.
Fully staffed, the candidate will manage the workflow of and provide leadership to an array of test discipline engineers and test ops engineers, leading a multi-functional team of approximately 14 to 19 engineers.
A level 5 employee Typically has 14 - 20 years of professional experience.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or other STEM field, or relevant experience supporting military aviation in an operational or flight test environment may also be considered
Experience with Flight Test, aircraft maintenance, and air vehicle engineering practices
Demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical field
Active Secret security clearance or better and the ability to acquire and maintain SAP access
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams in an operational aviation environment
Demonstrated knowledge and application of airworthiness concepts
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desired Skills
Current or previous control room qualification for fighter aircraft
Demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical or operational field
Strategic planning experience
Airmanship
AFTC or AFFTC (Air Force Flight Test Center) flight Test control room experience in operations or engineering
The ability to obtain and hold a Top Secret security clearance with access to special programs
F-22 or fighter Development Flight Test experience
Current F-22 program access
Prior Lead Engineer experience of an engineering team, or demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical field or operational field.
Knowledge of F-22 or fighter aircraft flight line operations
Mission Control Room (MCR) certification/qualifications and experience for fighter aircraft
Previous experience coordinating the engineering support of operational and/or test aircraft
MS in STEM field.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $145100.00 - $269500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Standard Job Description
Manages the design, development, and testing of a variety of power plants, aircraft, missiles, and parts. Directs establishment of structural specifications, performance of stress analysis, and performance testing. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions.
Responsible for the management of resources required to safely and effectively plan and execute F-22 flight and ground test missions. These resources include developmental & operational test aircraft, Flight Test Engineers (FTEs), Discipline Engineers (DEs), and mission planners. Performs Full Spectrum Leadership duties and EVMS CAM Support as required and ensures FTE Test Directors and Test Conductors are qualified and maintain performance and currency levels established by the Squadron/Combined Test Force (CTF). Ensures testing is accomplished within Program Schedule constraints as well as F-22 program and local operating procedures. Ensures test aircraft are correctly modified and instrumented in advance of test execution of approved Test Execution Packages. Participates in technical and test planning meetings to include flight test readiness review boards, Test Execution Package reviews, flight clearance reviews and Aircraft Operating Limits reviews. Performs regular Integrated Product Team (IPT) and inter-site coordination. Ensures accurate and timely reporting of F-22 flight test program status and results. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, employee recognition, disciplinary actions, work assignments and salary.
DE direct reports will include but may not be limited to: Utilities & Subsystems (Fuel, Hydraulics, EPS, LGS, LSS, PTMS), Flight Control Systems (FLCS), Propulsion Integration, Flight Sciences, Other Mission Systems, Sensors & EW Weapons, Systems Integration, Flying Qualities, Loads, CNI, OMS.
The successful candidate will direct their teams through the operational support of the developmental test fleet of F-22 aircraft at Edwards AFB, or other sites as required, on the flight line and in the mission control room. This position requires frequent communication across the enterprise to conduct RCCA of vehicle systems issues, support and coordinate test fleet modifications, Weight and Balance activities, ground test events, and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing.
Fully staffed, the candidate will manage the workflow of and provide leadership to an array of test discipline engineers and test ops engineers, leading a multi-functional team of approximately 14 to 19 engineers.
A level 5 employee Typically has 14 - 20 years of professional experience.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or other STEM field, or relevant experience supporting military aviation in an operational or flight test environment may also be considered
Experience with Flight Test, aircraft maintenance, and air vehicle engineering practices
Demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical field
Active Secret security clearance or better and the ability to acquire and maintain SAP access
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams in an operational aviation environment
Demonstrated knowledge and application of airworthiness concepts
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Desired Skills
Current or previous control room qualification for fighter aircraft
Demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical or operational field
Strategic planning experience
Airmanship
AFTC or AFFTC (Air Force Flight Test Center) flight Test control room experience in operations or engineering
The ability to obtain and hold a Top Secret security clearance with access to special programs
F-22 or fighter Development Flight Test experience
Current F-22 program access
Prior Lead Engineer experience of an engineering team, or demonstrated team leadership experience in a technical field or operational field.
Knowledge of F-22 or fighter aircraft flight line operations
Mission Control Room (MCR) certification/qualifications and experience for fighter aircraft
Previous experience coordinating the engineering support of operational and/or test aircraft
MS in STEM field.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $145100.00 - $269500.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
Flight Test Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Flight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman21
- Joby Aviation12
- Lockheed Martin9
- MTSI8
- Astrion6
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
- Automotive
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in flight test engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering
- Experience writing and executing flight test plans, test cards, or test procedures
- Proficiency with data acquisition and real-time telemetry systems
- Active DoD security clearance or eligibility for a secret or top secret clearance
- Familiarity with MIL-STD, FAA certification, or DO-178 compliance requirements
- Experience operating or evaluating avionics, navigation, or fly-by-wire systems
Tips for Your Flight Test Engineer Job Search
Tailor your resume to test phases
Recruiters scan for specific test phases you've worked, such as envelope expansion, qualification, or acceptance testing. Name each phase explicitly and tie it to a platform or aircraft type rather than listing generic 'flight test experience.'
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists flight test engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight your data acquisition tool proficiency
Job postings routinely filter by tools like IADS, Curtiss-Wright, or MathWorks products. Calling these out by name in your resume and cover letter moves you past automated screening faster than describing the task those tools support.
Match your clearance level to the posting
Many defense flight test roles require an active clearance at the time of hire, not a clearable background. Read each posting closely and prioritize applications where your current clearance level matches exactly, since clearance upgrades can delay your start date.
Prepare a test card or flight card sample
Interviewers for flight test roles often ask you to walk through how you'd structure a test card. Having a sanitized, unclassified example from a previous program ready to discuss demonstrates procedural rigor in a way that abstract answers don't.
Ask specific questions about test infrastructure
At the offer stage, ask whether the team uses a dedicated telemetry ground station or relies on chase aircraft, and what the typical ratio of sim hours to live flight hours looks like. These questions signal experience and help you evaluate whether the role matches your background.
Flight Test Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most flight test engineers?
The companies hiring the most flight test engineers right now include Northrop Grumman, Joby Aviation, and Lockheed Martin, with the largest share of openings in California, Alabama, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Demand tends to concentrate around major flight test centers and defense contractor facilities.
How many flight test engineer jobs are remote?
About 17% of flight test engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which is low compared to most engineering disciplines. Data analysis, test planning, and post-flight report writing are the sub-areas most likely to allow remote days, while live flight operations and range work almost always require on-site presence.
How do you become a flight test engineer?
Start with a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, then build hands-on experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, or systems integration. Completing a formal flight test course through a program like the National Test Pilot School or an equivalent contractor-run course significantly strengthens your candidacy. From there, entry-level roles at defense contractors or test ranges provide the live flight exposure employers require.
Can you get a flight test engineer job with little or no experience?
Some contractors hire junior flight test engineers directly from engineering programs if you can show exposure to instrumentation, simulation environments, or laboratory test work. A strong senior capstone project involving data acquisition or vehicle dynamics, combined with an internship at an aerospace company, is often enough to qualify for associate or developmental test engineer roles that include structured on-the-job training.
What does the flight test engineer interview process look like?
Most hiring processes start with a recruiter screen followed by a technical phone interview covering test methodology, instrumentation, and data analysis. A panel interview typically comes next, where you'll walk through a past test program, discuss how you handled anomalies, and sometimes work through a scenario involving a test card or envelope expansion decision. Clearance verification and a background check follow an offer.
Where can I find and apply to flight test engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to flight test engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 146+ Flight Test Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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