Flight Test Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Flight Test Engineer jobs on OPT require employers comfortable with STEM OPT extensions, since most roles involve ITAR-controlled aircraft programs or defense work. Your 12-month standard OPT period can extend to 36 months in STEM fields like aerospace engineering, giving you a meaningful runway to prove your value before H-1B sponsorship becomes a conversation.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer to join our team. The goal of a Flight Test Engineer at Wisk is to achieve safe, efficient, and on time execution of our Generation 6 Flight Test Program, including surrogate platforms. You will be part of the Flight Test & Operations (FTOP) team that is responsible for the developmental and certification flight testing of our Generation 6 aircraft and supporting assets.
In this role you will participate in flight test efforts including authoring flight test plans and test preparation activities including Readiness Reviews, configuration management, and Safety Risk Management. You will participate in the execution of flight tests in various support roles within the Ground Control Station. You will assist in aircraft troubleshooting and other engineering activities on the aircraft.
Responsibilities
- Become an expert on the Generation 6 and supporting aircraft, their systems, and the systems under test.
- Author, review, and approve flight test plans, operating procedures, analysis methods, and test reports.
- Coordinate and participate in test preparation activities such as system integration, configuration management, and simulation efforts.
- Participate in the conduct of flight tests from the Ground Control Station and onboard the surrogate aircraft in support roles.
- Track and report on existing test program progress and future planning.
- Develop and continuously improve upon Flight Test Processes for efficiency and best practice.
- Providing in hangar aircraft troubleshooting and engineering support.
- Support the process of Part 21 certification of a novel aircraft design, supporting our Certification Basis and Certification Plan, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Independent ownership of specific test program(s) from requirement development through the flight test report.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline.
- Proficiency in data analysis with MATLAB, Python, or other scripting tools.
- You have worked in Flight Test Engineering, authoring flight test plans and reports, on fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft and are familiar with FAA Order 4040.26B, ARP4754A.
- Preferably, you have hands-on experience participating in Type Certification or Supplemental Type Certification program.
JOB TYPE
Full-time
COMPENSATION
- Pay range the company expects to pay: $103,000 - $129,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.
INTRODUCTION
At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
We are looking for a Flight Test Engineer to join our team. The goal of a Flight Test Engineer at Wisk is to achieve safe, efficient, and on time execution of our Generation 6 Flight Test Program, including surrogate platforms. You will be part of the Flight Test & Operations (FTOP) team that is responsible for the developmental and certification flight testing of our Generation 6 aircraft and supporting assets.
In this role you will participate in flight test efforts including authoring flight test plans and test preparation activities including Readiness Reviews, configuration management, and Safety Risk Management. You will participate in the execution of flight tests in various support roles within the Ground Control Station. You will assist in aircraft troubleshooting and other engineering activities on the aircraft.
Responsibilities
- Become an expert on the Generation 6 and supporting aircraft, their systems, and the systems under test.
- Author, review, and approve flight test plans, operating procedures, analysis methods, and test reports.
- Coordinate and participate in test preparation activities such as system integration, configuration management, and simulation efforts.
- Participate in the conduct of flight tests from the Ground Control Station and onboard the surrogate aircraft in support roles.
- Track and report on existing test program progress and future planning.
- Develop and continuously improve upon Flight Test Processes for efficiency and best practice.
- Providing in hangar aircraft troubleshooting and engineering support.
- Support the process of Part 21 certification of a novel aircraft design, supporting our Certification Basis and Certification Plan, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Independent ownership of specific test program(s) from requirement development through the flight test report.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline.
- Proficiency in data analysis with MATLAB, Python, or other scripting tools.
- You have worked in Flight Test Engineering, authoring flight test plans and reports, on fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft and are familiar with FAA Order 4040.26B, ARP4754A.
- Preferably, you have hands-on experience participating in Type Certification or Supplemental Type Certification program.
JOB TYPE
Full-time
COMPENSATION
- Pay range the company expects to pay: $103,000 - $129,000 per year - The starting base salary within this range for this role varies based on factors such as your geographical location, and your relevant job-related experience that is consistent with a business necessity.
Wisk HQ is located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 9 off Fridays for full-time employees throughout the year, flexible vacation time off, 11 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching vested immediately, commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as free catered lunches, flight lessons, wellness allowances, snacks, drinks, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, patent bonus program, and more.
To all recruitment agencies: Wisk Aero does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Wisk Aero employees, or any other organization location. Wisk Aero is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ethnic or national origin, age, disability/handicap, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, political convictions, language, social condition, or any other protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable provincial and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Flight Test Engineer
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Flight test engineering typically qualifies under aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering STEM designations. Confirm your degree program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since STEM OPT extension eligibility hinges on that classification, not your job title.
Understand ITAR before your interview
Most flight test programs involve ITAR-controlled aircraft and systems, which restricts access for non-U.S. persons. Research which programs at each employer are ITAR-restricted versus export-licensed, so you can address the question confidently rather than being caught off guard.
Prioritize commercial aviation and general aviation employers
Manufacturers focused on commercial transport aircraft, business jets, or rotorcraft often have active export licenses that permit OPT hires. Defense-only contractors are the hardest employers to crack without a security clearance pathway.
Demonstrate test methodology knowledge, not just design experience
Employers hiring flight test engineers need candidates who understand instrumentation, data acquisition, and flight envelope expansion methods. Highlight any test flight involvement, even academic, since design experience alone won't differentiate you in this highly specialized candidate pool.
Ask employers directly about their OPT hiring history
Many aerospace companies have sponsored OPT students before but don't advertise it. Asking during informational interviews whether the engineering team has worked with OPT candidates signals self-awareness and often surfaces honest guidance about whether sponsorship is realistic at that organization.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Flight Test Engineers at major aerospace companies?
Yes, but eligibility depends on the employer's specific programs. Companies like Boeing, Textron, and Gulfstream work on both ITAR-restricted defense programs and commercial aircraft that may accommodate OPT hires under an export license or Technology Control Plan. Roles tied exclusively to classified defense programs are generally inaccessible without U.S. person status. Confirming program eligibility before applying saves significant time.
Does a Flight Test Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. Flight test engineering draws on aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering degree programs, which are recognized STEM fields eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months. Your DSO must confirm your degree program's CIP code appears on the STEM designated degree program list maintained by ICE before filing the extension.
Where can I find Flight Test Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, so the job listings there are filtered for employers open to work authorization situations like yours. Rather than sorting through thousands of postings with no sponsorship context, Migrate Mate surfaces roles where OPT eligibility is already a known factor for the hiring team.
How does the 60-day grace period affect a Flight Test Engineer job search?
If your OPT employment ends before your authorized period expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer schools, or depart the U.S. You cannot work during this window. Given how specialized flight test roles are and how long aerospace hiring cycles typically run, starting your job search well before any employment gap is strongly advisable.
Do Flight Test Engineer employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship depends heavily on the employer's size, budget, and program needs. Large aerospace manufacturers with established international workforces, such as Boeing, Joby Aviation, or Honeywell Aerospace, have H-1B sponsorship infrastructure in place. Smaller test houses and boutique flight sciences firms are less predictable. Asking about the company's prior H-1B filings during the offer stage is a reasonable and professional question.
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