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
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence ("AI") solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the preparation of Development, Company, and FAA Certification Ground and Flight test plans
- Contribute to the preparation of test cards
- Interface with engineers, maintainers, technicians, and program management to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently
- Contribute to the production of Company/Certification reports
- Prepare material in support of test readiness reviews
- Provide support for test events as a flight test engineer and/or test conductor on-board the aircraft and in the control room
- Participate in flight briefs and debriefs for test events
- Participate in test setup (flight line) activities
- Report and communicate test results to the Flight Test and Engineering teams
- Participate in all aspects of the Flight Test Safety Risk Management process
- Prepare test operating limitations and advisories in collaboration with the appropriate engineering disciplines
- Participate in safety review board (SRB) meetings
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or higher degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited institution
- Must be willing to travel 25% of the time within 100 miles of the SF Bay Area
- A collaborative attitude and a meticulous attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient with data analysis tools, e.g. Matlab, Python, etc.
- Able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class 3 medical certificate issued through a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- FAA pilot certificate
- Hands-on experience with test assets in a lab or other environment
COMPENSATION
- Base pay between $96,300 - $120,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
INTRODUCTION
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Archer is a leader in the next-gen aerospace sector building an end-to-end advanced air mobility platform that delivers air taxis, unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), aviation-related physical artificial intelligence ("AI") solutions, and other technologies to customers worldwide across the commercial aerospace and defense sectors.
Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the preparation of Development, Company, and FAA Certification Ground and Flight test plans
- Contribute to the preparation of test cards
- Interface with engineers, maintainers, technicians, and program management to accomplish test objectives safely and efficiently
- Contribute to the production of Company/Certification reports
- Prepare material in support of test readiness reviews
- Provide support for test events as a flight test engineer and/or test conductor on-board the aircraft and in the control room
- Participate in flight briefs and debriefs for test events
- Participate in test setup (flight line) activities
- Report and communicate test results to the Flight Test and Engineering teams
- Participate in all aspects of the Flight Test Safety Risk Management process
- Prepare test operating limitations and advisories in collaboration with the appropriate engineering disciplines
- Participate in safety review board (SRB) meetings
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or higher degree in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited institution
- Must be willing to travel 25% of the time within 100 miles of the SF Bay Area
- A collaborative attitude and a meticulous attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient with data analysis tools, e.g. Matlab, Python, etc.
- Able to obtain and maintain a FAA Class 3 medical certificate issued through a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- FAA pilot certificate
- Hands-on experience with test assets in a lab or other environment
COMPENSATION
- Base pay between $96,300 - $120,400. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Information collected and processed as part of any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Archer's Candidate Privacy Policy.
Certain positions may be eligible for visa sponsorship.
Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Archer Aviation does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters with whom it does not have a prior written agreement. Archer reserves the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes that it receives and bears no responsibility for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes. If you are a recruiting agency or individual recruiter wishing to do business with Archer, please reach out to People@archer.com. All employment processes are managed by the Archer People Team.
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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.