Flight Test and Operations Engineers help plan, conduct, and analyze aircraft and aerospace system tests while supporting safe, effective flight operations. Their work connects engineering design with real-world performance, helping teams evaluate aircraft, onboard systems, procedures, and operational readiness. Explore vetted opportunities on Ladders, where jobs are typically listed with salaries of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by employer, aircraft, and program. Engineers may develop test plans, coordinate flight-test activities, review telemetry and instrumentation data, assess performance against requirements, and document findings. Operations-focused roles can also involve mission planning, procedure development, operational risk assessments, and coordination among pilots, maintenance teams, engineers, and program stakeholders.
Employers often seek a degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or a related engineering discipline, along with experience in aircraft systems, flight testing, or aviation operations. Useful capabilities include data analysis, technical writing, systems thinking, configuration management, and clear communication. Familiarity with test instrumentation, simulation tools, aviation regulations, and safety or quality processes may be valuable. Some roles require eligibility for a security clearance or specific flight-test credentials.
Flight Test and Operations Engineers work for aerospace manufacturers, defense contractors, airlines, government agencies, and aviation technology companies. Career paths may lead to senior flight-test engineering, test program leadership, systems engineering, flight operations management, or technical program management. Responsibilities and requirements differ across organizations, so review each listing for details.
Browse Flight Test and Operations Engineer openings and compare responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates discover opportunities aligned with their expertise and career goals.
Senior Production Test Engineer (ATE) Missile Assembly - Troy, Alabama
$85K - $158K *
Join a team that's pivotal in developing automated test equipment and supporting missile assembly. You'll provide technical expertise, troubleshoot anomalies, and ensure quality in production operatio...
2 weeks ago
Test & Validation Integration Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Join us to ensure seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating and validating complex systems. Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and optimize workflows, guaranteeing effi...
2 days ago
Test & Validation Integration Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Elevate your career by bridging staging and deployment for enterprise infrastructure. Ensure seamless operation of complex systems through rigorous testing and validation, while collaborating with arc...
4 days ago
$74K - $123K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge 3D visualization applications for electrical systems. You'll create, maintain, and enhance applications that facilitate real-time data acquisition and suppor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Software Engineer - Integration and Test
$114K - $171K *
Transform complex software integration and testing processes by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless collaboration, and driving best practices in a dynamic environment. Elevate system per...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Drive quality excellence by ensuring compliance and reliability of electro-mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, reduce defects, and implement corrective ac...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock quality excellence by ensuring compliance and reliability in electro-mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop quality plans, drive improvements, and maintain high...
3 weeks ago
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Manager
$80K - $95K *
Manage electronic flight bag operations, ensuring compliance and security for aircrew devices while overseeing software and hardware. Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to enhance operational effi...
Reposted 4 days ago
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Manager
$80K - $95K *
Elevate mobile device management for bomber aircrews by ensuring compliance, security, and accessibility of vital electronic flight materials, while managing software and hardware solutions within a t...
Reposted 4 days ago
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Manager
$80K - $95K *
Oversee the Electronic Flight Bag program, managing IT compliance and device operations. Ensure aircrew access to current safety publications while collaborating with various stakeholders to optimize...
Reposted 4 days ago
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Manager
$80K - $95K *
Support critical aircrew operations by managing the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) program, ensuring compliance, and overseeing mobile device management to enhance safety and efficiency for Bomber Squadr...
Reposted 4 days ago
$161K - $241K *
Transform advanced tool design and structural optimization by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive excellence through mentorship, compliance, and collaboration, ensuring innovative solutions meet...
2 weeks ago
Senior Flight Test Engineer - Software Automation
$150K - $200K *
Elevate testing standards by leading the Flight Test Automation Pod. Design and implement automated test systems for autonomous drones, ensuring reliability and efficiency from CI to real-world flight...
3 days ago
$125K - $192K *
Lead the charge in engineering management, overseeing critical projects and guiding a skilled team to enhance operational efficiency and innovation within the Air Force Sustainment Center...
Today
$150K - $195K *
Elevate your career by leading the management of complex engineering operations, overseeing a large team, and making critical decisions that impact national security and infrastructure at a global sca...
Reposted yesterday
$125K - $170K *
Unlock innovative solutions as a Supervisory General Engineer, overseeing Fuze Modernization engineering design and development. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance nuclear safety and ensure missio...
Reposted yesterday
$89K - $138K *
Lead a team of engineers in the Mk21A Branch, overseeing projects, managing workloads, and ensuring technical excellence in nuclear deterrent systems. Drive innovation and collaboration across multipl...
Reposted yesterday
Test Equipment Development Engineer (HIL and Test Equipment)
$110K - $160K *
Champion the design and deployment of interceptor test systems, ensuring rigorous verification and robust performance. Lead the full lifecycle from requirements analysis to hardware integration, drivi...
1 week ago
$129K - $239K *
Drive innovation in aeronautical engineering by leading teams in harness design, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards while integrating complex electrical systems for advanced aircraft program...
5 days ago
$129K - $239K *
Lead the charge in advancing aerospace electrical systems by managing design teams, integrating complex subsystems, and ensuring compliance with stringent standards while delivering innovative wiring...
5 days ago
Senior Fatigue & Damage Tolerance Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate aircraft design by performing complex fatigue and damage tolerance analyses. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure structural integrity and optimize designs while mentoring junior...
3 weeks ago
Senior Fatigue & Damage Tolerance Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aircraft design through advanced fatigue and damage tolerance analysis. Collaborate with experts to ensure structural integrity and lead innovative solutions i...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $269K *
Champion innovative harness design solutions in aerospace, leading teams to integrate complex electrical systems while ensuring compliance with stringent standards and project timelines...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of space exploration by leading mission planning and execution for Lunar Terrain Vehicle operations, ensuring crew safety and mission success through collaboration...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive mission success by leading Lunar Terrain Vehicle operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in planning and executing Artemis missions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop proced...
4 days ago
What does a Flight Test and Operations Engineer do?
A Flight Test and Operations Engineer supports the planning, execution, and analysis of aircraft or aerospace system tests and may help develop safe, effective flight procedures. Specific duties depend on the employer and program.
What qualifications are commonly required for Flight Test and Operations Engineer jobs?
Many positions request a bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or another relevant engineering field, plus experience in flight testing, aircraft systems, or aviation operations. Requirements vary, and some roles may require security clearance eligibility or specialized credentials.
What skills are important for Flight Test and Operations Engineers?
Commonly valued skills include test planning, data analysis, systems engineering, technical documentation, safety assessment, and cross-functional communication. Experience with aircraft instrumentation, simulation, or aviation regulations may also be useful.
Where do Flight Test and Operations Engineers work?
They may work for aerospace and aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, airlines, government agencies, and aviation technology companies. Some roles combine office-based analysis with activity at test sites or flight operations facilities.
How can I find Flight Test and Operations Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Search Ladders for Flight Test and Operations Engineer openings and review each listing’s compensation, responsibilities, and qualifications. Ladders features vetted professional jobs that pay $100,000 or more.