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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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.
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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.