OPT Flight Test Engineer Jobs
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 visa sponsorship becomes a conversation.
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Get Access To All JobsCOMPANY 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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 - $174,000/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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 - $174,000/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 OPT Flight Test Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
File your STEM OPT extension early
Submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Processing delays are common, and your 60-day automatic cap-out protection only applies if you filed on time through your school's DSO.
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.
Flight Test Engineer OPT: Frequently 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 visa 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.