Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California
Flight Test Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace defense, commercial aviation, and advanced air mobility programs at every level from junior test engineer to chief test pilot and senior flight sciences lead. The strongest hiring is in the Los Angeles basin, the Antelope Valley corridor anchored by Edwards Air Force Base, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, and Boeing have deep long-term presences. The most in-demand specialties are flight dynamics and controls testing, avionics systems verification, and unmanned aircraft test operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Flight Test Engineer jobs
Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
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 plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
- Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
- Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
- Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
- Coordinate with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
- Work as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
- Report on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
- Advise the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
- Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
- Complete administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
- Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
- Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
Required
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
- Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
- At least 30% travel required
Desired
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
- Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
- Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,049/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
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 plans for experimental CTOL/VTOL fly-by-wire aircraft, executing testing as a crewmember, and test data analysis. The role involves planning and execution of both development and certification flight testing. Flight testing at Joby Aviation is very fast-paced, and we are looking for an individual who can work with system designers to develop test procedures, deal with frequently changing test scenarios, and lead/follow effectively. This role can be based at our Flight Test Headquarters at Marina, CA, or at our secondary flight test facility in Hollister, CA.
Responsibilities
- Develop test programs to strategically expand the envelope and capabilities of our vehicles from experimental development through certification flight test
- Perform flight test planning, flight readiness reviews, flight briefs/debriefs, act as a crewmember during test execution and perform post flight data analysis
- Conduct engineering analysis of flight test data to support aircraft design and certification deliverables
- Coordinate with other engineering groups to ensure input from subject matter experts informs test planning and test execution
- Work as a member of the flight crew including monitoring data in real time to assure the safety and proper conduct of flight tests
- Report on completed tests including reporting any observed deficiencies and findings of compliance with requirements or regulations
- Advise the flight test pilot of nature of the data to inform real time decisions affecting safety, efficiency and effectiveness
- Develop expert level knowledge of the systems and aircraft under test
- Complete administrative work associated with testing including configuration management, squawk reporting, flight limitation management and test card creation
- Assist with troubleshooting and root cause investigation of issues observed during flight testing
- Develop flight manuals and supporting documentation necessary to operate the vehicles in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices
- Other duties as assigned or required
Required
- Bachelor of Science (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or other technical field) degree or equivalent experience and training
- Previous experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with colleagues across a wide range of technical disciplines
- Strong technical and analytical skills
- Must be able to work both independently and on a team and be able to work extended hours and travel as required
- Read and speak English proficiently
- At least 30% travel required
Desired
- FTE graduate of a recognized test pilot school or equivalent on the job experience
- Data analysis experience using Matlab, Python or similar
- Civil aircraft certification experience including use of ARP 4754 processes for requirements and FAA AC 23-8C or AC 27-1B for flight test
- Experimental flight test experience as a Flight Test Engineer, preferably including VTOL or STOVL and fly-by-wire
- Flight Analyst DER or ODA Unit Member
- Familiarity with FAA Order 4040.26C
Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $107,400 - $174,049/yr. The compensation package offered will be determined by location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See All 14 Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Flight Test Engineer JobsFlight Test Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Flight Test Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Joby Aviation11
- DoorDash3
Top Industries Hiring
- Aerospace & Defense11
- Automotive4
- Transportation & Logistics4
- Technology & Software3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in flight test engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering from an accredited institution
- Active DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance or eligibility to obtain one
- Hands-on experience with flight test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test planning
- Proficiency with test analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or dedicated flight test software
- Familiarity with FAA airworthiness regulations and MIL-STD test documentation standards
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for test reports and cross-functional coordination
Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a flight test engineer in California?
The standard path into flight test engineering in California starts with an accredited bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering. There is no state-issued license specific to flight test engineering in California, but most employers require candidates to meet federal security clearance standards and demonstrate hands-on test experience. Many engineers enter through internships or co-op programs at California defense contractors, then progress into dedicated test roles after gaining systems or flight sciences experience.
How much do flight test engineers make in California?
Flight test engineers in California earn a median of about $157,620 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $104,370 for the lowest 10% to over $220,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire flight test engineers in California?
Employers hiring flight test engineers in California right now include Joby Aviation and DoorDash, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of major aerospace primes, defense contractors, and emerging advanced air mobility companies makes it one of the deepest hiring pools for this specialty in the country.
Which California cities have the most flight test engineer jobs?
Marina, Bay Point, and Petaluma account for the highest concentration of flight test engineer openings in California. The Antelope Valley and greater Los Angeles area dominate due to the proximity of Edwards Air Force Base and the Skunk Works and major defense prime facilities, while San Diego draws demand from naval aviation programs and systems integrators based in the region.
Are there remote flight test engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of flight test engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the hands-on, hardware-dependent nature of most test programs. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely include test data analysis, report writing, and simulation-based work, while actual flight operations and instrumentation work remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a flight test engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op with a California-based aerospace prime or defense contractor during your final year of an engineering degree. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin run structured new-graduate and early-career programs in California that place candidates into flight test support roles. Adjacent starting points include flight test instrumentation technician, systems test engineer, or simulation engineer positions, which provide the hands-on exposure needed to move into a full flight test role.
Where can I find and apply to flight test engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to flight test engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across California employers. Find roles that match your experience and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 14 Flight Test Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Flight Test Engineer Jobs