Flight Test and Operations Engineer Jobs

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.

What Flight Test and Operations Engineers Do

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.

Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Opportunities

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.

Find Flight Test and Operations Engineer Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$104K - $194K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and execution of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Program. Drive accountability and strategic focus throughout the program lifecycle...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$91K - $137K *

Transform systems engineering through innovative test solutions, collaborating with teams to develop comprehensive test plans and automate processes. Drive excellence in system evaluations and custome...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Shape the future of operations by leading cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, enhance processes, and support the deployment of...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing weapons systems through rigorous test and evaluation. You'll support the DoD acquisition lifecycle, ensuring operational effectiveness and suitability while c...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in advancing test and evaluation for weapons systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and suitability through comprehensive planning, execution, and analysis across the DoD acquisit...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Shape the future of composite design by leading innovative projects, ensuring quality and efficiency in product development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional airbor...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$152K - $265K *

Engineer cutting-edge guidance, navigation, and control systems for air vehicles. Collaborate in a dynamic team to develop algorithms and simulations, ensuring optimal performance and stability for bo...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Unlock your potential as you lead critical machining operations for major aerospace programs, ensuring product integrity through innovative materials and processes. Collaborate cross-functionally to d...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $192K *

Advance your career by developing innovative test automation solutions for complex, multi-platform products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and streamline processes...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$93K - $112K *

Unlock potential by developing telemetry applications for deep space missions. Collaborate with engineers to design, test, and maintain software, ensuring robust performance and documentation while su...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $226K *

Transform cost engineering by leading analyses and developing methodologies that drive decision-ready, impactful insights for space systems acquisition. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance cost...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$117K - $226K *

Drive cost engineering excellence by leading analyses and developing methodologies that integrate cost, schedule, and risk insights. Collaborate with customers to inform critical acquisition and fundi...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $238K *

Lead the development and optimization of advanced software systems, providing technical direction and mentoring teams. Drive innovation and ensure compliance with performance and quality standards in...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$173K - $238K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in aerospace software development. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll lead projects, mentor teams, and optimize advanced systems, ensuring top performance a...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$65K - $121K *

Transform testing processes by developing automated scripts and overseeing subsystem tests. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure integration and troubleshoot anomalies, all while thriving in a dyn...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Empower a multi-disciplinary team by designing and executing human-subject tests for biometric technologies, enhancing user experience through data-driven insights and innovative methodologies...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $219K *

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and develop airframe structures, utilizing CATIA V5/V6. Drive innovative solutions for metallic and composite components while supporting the entire...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $170K *

Lead cross-functional teams to optimize production processes, manage budgets, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of manufacturing programs. Your expertise will drive operational excellence a...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Champion quality excellence by leading a team of professionals in product sustainment, ensuring compliance with standards, resolving complex issues, and collaborating across functions to enhance perfo...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Transform project outcomes by managing multiple programs to meet goals within budget and timelines while directing team efforts and resources to ensure quality execution and stakeholder satisfaction...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Elevate the future of F-35 sustainment by leading engineering projects, managing budgets, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless support and innovative solutions for our custo...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to lead engineering initiatives, manage projects, and drive innovation in aerospace product development while fostering relationships with customers and suppliers...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Shape the future of aircraft supportability by leading technical oversight, ensuring quality lifecycle development, and collaborating with teams to meet performance and budget goals in a dynamic envir...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$177K - $265K *

Lead the charge in ensuring quality lifecycle development and logistics products, collaborating with teams to meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives while providing technical oversight for su...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $110K *

Join us to support NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center by applying engineering technology and systems engineering concepts. This hands-on role involves data collection, troubleshooting, and collab...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Flight Test and Operations Engineer do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.