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.
$80K - $95K *
Empower our team by managing complex electrical systems, ensuring seamless integration and safety protocols. Leverage your expertise in Navy testing processes and collaborate with maritime authorities...
3 weeks ago
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$60K - $120K *
Transform passenger experiences by ensuring seamless operations and maintenance of mobility pods in airports. Collaborate with teams to enhance product design and reliability while providing exception...
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Advance testing and verification efforts for NASA’s Orion Program, collaborating with engineers to ensure mission success through rigorous testing and validation of avionics systems in high-fidelity e...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing, coding, and optimizing applications on Microsoft platforms. Collaborate on custom development and ensure compliance with security standards while e...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by designing and developing innovative software solutions, ensuring optimal performance and security standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quali...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation in embedded software systems by leading design, development, and integration efforts. Collaborate across the software lifecycle to enhance mission-critical programs and ensure robust...
Reposted today
$100K - $140K *
Unlock your potential by joining a dynamic team focused on developing embedded software systems. Contribute to mission-critical projects through the entire software lifecycle, from architecture to imp...
2 days ago
$118K - $219K *
Transform quality initiatives as you support leadership and drive continuous improvement across the organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, reduce waste, and foster...
1 week ago
$104K - $194K *
Elevate quality assurance across program life-cycles, ensuring compliance and excellence in aerospace manufacturing. Collaborate with teams to implement quality standards, manage risks, and drive cont...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $125K *
Drive program success by conducting quantitative schedule risk analysis and managing risks for complex aerospace and defense projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance schedule confi...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Drive mission success by overseeing launch operations, ensuring seamless integration and execution of NRO missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance operational readiness and support critical...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead and inspire engineering initiatives in air traffic management systems, translating operational needs into actionable requirements while ensuring system performance and safety through effective in...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $196K *
Join our team to design and develop innovative software solutions that enhance technical services. Contribute to strategic planning and ensure quality in software releases while resolving defects and...
4 days ago
Operations Test Analyst V - JSE Nellis AFB
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in simulation development and operational support for testing projects, ensuring successful data collection and analysis while mentoring junior analysts and optimizing processes within...
Reposted 4 days ago
Staff Electronic Warfare (EW) System Integration & Test Engineer
$104K - $194K *
Unlock potential by leading the integration and testing of advanced Electronic Warfare systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions, verify system requirements, and ensure ope...
5 days ago
$133K - $160K *
Empower innovation by leading complex test activities, ensuring product verification through functional, integration, and acceptance testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve technical issues...
3 weeks ago
Chief of Test and Rigs - America's South
$156K - $253K *
Join us to lead engineering and test teams, ensuring operational excellence and safety at our engine test facilities. Drive strategic improvements and manage resources effectively to meet current and...
1 week ago
$100K - $108K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring product quality through comprehensive analysis and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain standards and implement effectiv...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock the potential of integrated ISR capabilities by conducting thorough testing and analysis. Collaborate with teams to enhance system performance and ensure quality standards are met, supporting U...
Today
Project Management & Planning Operations Rep - E2
$63K - $117K *
Take ownership of project operations, ensuring effective management and communication across teams. Drive productivity and quality while resolving issues to meet client satisfaction and project goals...
2 weeks ago
Project Management & Planning Operations Rep - E2
$70K - $130K *
Transform supplier management by coordinating cost, schedule, and performance for non-major sub-items. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery and resolve issues, while adhering to ac...
2 weeks ago
Project Management & Planning Operations Rep - E2
$70K - $130K *
Drive project success by overseeing operations, managing budgets, and fostering collaboration among teams. Utilize data analysis and problem-solving skills to enhance productivity and client satisfact...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in product performance investigations and manage claim-driven returns. This role combines mechanical engineering expertise with strong communication skills to ensure confidence in prod...
5 days ago
Integration & Test (HITL) Lead
$167K - $212K *
Manage the test infrastructure for payload and autonomy, ensuring effective validation through hardware-in-the-loop setups. Lead cross-functional teams to drive testing strategies and optimize perform...
3 days ago
$72K - $104K *
Lead the hands-on testing of flight assemblies, ensuring next-gen in-space mobility systems are validated and matured into flight-ready hardware through innovative test equipment and methodologies...
1 week 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.