Flight Test Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Flight test engineers develop and execute test programs for aircraft systems, requiring specialized aerospace engineering expertise that qualifies for H-1B visa and other work visas. Major aerospace employers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman regularly sponsor visas for these roles due to the specialized technical knowledge required. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. This is a place for engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers who are ready to engage deeply, think critically, and build with purpose. You will not just launch a career. You will be part of something bigger. This is where the best are built.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Flight Test Ground Operations (Control) Engineer for F-35 aircraft. The successful applicant will provide Flight Test Ground Operations engineering support. Tasks will include coordination and execution of pre-flight and post-flight activities to ensure aircraft's test readiness including issuance, and closure of documentation relating to work performed on the aircraft, and coordination of aircraft modifications. Position requires control and tracking of aircraft configuration, coordinating and staging of support equipment, developing and maintaining aircraft test schedules, and coordinating with other organizations associated with test readiness.
Designs, develops, and tests a variety of power plants, aircraft, missiles, and parts, taking into consideration the most efficient use of the natural laws affecting flight. Establishes structural specifications, performs stress analysis, and conducts performance tests.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Technical Engineering Discipline.
Coursework/projects with troubleshooting systems.
Good communication and organization skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent organization and communication skills
- Self starter and logical problem solver
- Experience working with Aircraft Systems
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $65500.00 - $121700.00
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.
INTRODUCTION
At Lockheed Martin we keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges. Our people are some of the greatest minds in the industry and truly make Lockheed Martin a great place to work. With our employees as our priority, we provide career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules, competitive pay, and comprehensive benefits enable our employees to live a healthy, fulfilling life at and outside of work. This is a place for engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers who are ready to engage deeply, think critically, and build with purpose. You will not just launch a career. You will be part of something bigger. This is where the best are built.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Flight Test Ground Operations (Control) Engineer for F-35 aircraft. The successful applicant will provide Flight Test Ground Operations engineering support. Tasks will include coordination and execution of pre-flight and post-flight activities to ensure aircraft's test readiness including issuance, and closure of documentation relating to work performed on the aircraft, and coordination of aircraft modifications. Position requires control and tracking of aircraft configuration, coordinating and staging of support equipment, developing and maintaining aircraft test schedules, and coordinating with other organizations associated with test readiness.
Designs, develops, and tests a variety of power plants, aircraft, missiles, and parts, taking into consideration the most efficient use of the natural laws affecting flight. Establishes structural specifications, performs stress analysis, and conducts performance tests.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, or Technical Engineering Discipline.
Coursework/projects with troubleshooting systems.
Good communication and organization skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent organization and communication skills
- Self starter and logical problem solver
- Experience working with Aircraft Systems
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $65500.00 - $121700.00
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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Flight Test Engineer
Target defense contractors and major aerospace companies
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman have established visa sponsorship programs and regularly hire international flight test engineers for specialized aircraft development projects.
Emphasize your specialized testing methodology expertise
Highlight experience with specific flight test protocols, data acquisition systems, and safety procedures. This specialized knowledge strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation case significantly.
Consider smaller aerospace suppliers and testing facilities
Companies like BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and specialized flight test centers often have less competition for sponsored positions while still offering meaningful aerospace work.
Leverage clearance-eligible status if applicable
Many flight test positions require security clearances. If you're eligible for clearance processing, emphasize this advantage when approaching defense contractors and government aerospace facilities.
Highlight certifications in aviation testing standards
Certifications in DO-178C, ARP4754A, or other aviation standards demonstrate specialized expertise that employers value and that strengthens your visa petition's specialty occupation argument.
Network through aerospace professional organizations
Join the Society of Flight Test Engineers and attend conferences. Many flight test positions are filled through professional networks rather than public job postings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does flight test engineering qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B visas?
Yes, flight test engineering consistently qualifies as an H-1B visa specialty occupation. The role requires specialized aerospace engineering knowledge, complex mathematical analysis, and understanding of flight dynamics that directly corresponds to an aerospace or mechanical engineering degree.
What degree is required for H-1B sponsorship as a flight test engineer?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. Some positions accept physics or related engineering disciplines if combined with relevant flight test experience. The degree field must relate directly to aerospace systems and testing methodologies.
How to find Flight Test Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Flight Test Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on aerospace companies, defense contractors, and aircraft manufacturers that commonly hire Flight Test Engineers on H-1B, O-1 visa, or TN visas. These employers often sponsor international talent due to specialized skill requirements in flight testing and aerospace engineering.
How competitive is visa sponsorship for flight test engineers?
Flight test engineers face moderate competition for sponsored positions. While there are fewer openings than general software roles, the specialized nature of the work means qualified candidates often have good success rates with major aerospace contractors who regularly sponsor visas.
Can flight test engineers get green cards through their employers?
Yes, most flight test engineering positions qualify for EB-2 green cards due to the advanced degree requirement or exceptional ability in aerospace testing. Defense contractors often support green card applications, though security clearance requirements may affect timing and processing.
Do flight test engineers need security clearances for visa sponsorship?
Not all flight test positions require clearances, but many do. Clearance requirements don't prevent H-1B sponsorship, but you must be eligible for clearance processing as a foreign national. Some employers will sponsor visas first, then pursue clearances after you start working.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Flight Test Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.