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.
$111K - $147K *
Join our innovative team to design and implement advanced tracking algorithms for air and missile defense systems, ensuring real-time processing of airborne threats while collaborating with cross-func...
1 week ago
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Program Manager
$80K - $95K *
Lead the Electronic Flight Bag program, ensuring compliance and operational readiness for the 5th Bomb Wing. Manage device administration, updates, and audits while supporting deployment cycles and ma...
Today
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Program Manager
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of aviation technology by managing the Electronic Flight Bag program for a B-1B group. Oversee mobile device management, ensure compliance with security requireme...
Today
Focus Factory Engineering Supervisor
$95K - $115K *
Transform construction processes and lead a dynamic engineering team to ensure safety and efficiency while delivering structural solutions for shipbuilding projects, fostering collaboration and techni...
Reposted 6 days ago
System Test Automation Engineer
$120K - $190K *
Join a team that's pioneering automation solutions for complex SATCOM systems. You'll develop frameworks, validate performance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission success in...
1 week ago
System Test Automation Engineer
$120K - $190K *
Lead the charge in developing automation frameworks for a global SATCOM network, ensuring robust system performance and mission success through collaboration with cross-functional teams in a critical...
1 week ago
System Test Automation Engineer
$120K - $190K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of satellite communications by developing automation frameworks for a global SATCOM network. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust system perfo...
1 week ago
System Test Automation Engineer
$120K - $190K *
Innovate with us as a Test Automation Engineer, developing automation frameworks for global SATCOM networks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust system performance and mission suc...
1 week ago
Business Operations & Program Management Analyst - Communications, Senior
$130K - $143K *
Lead the charge in providing strategic program management support to enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring seamless communication and risk mitigation across multiple NGA initiatives while foster...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced software solutions for NASA's spacecraft systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, implement, and validate cutting-edge technologies that enhance space...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to NASA's mission by designing and deploying spacecraft simulators, ensuring advanced verification and validation of software systems. Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in aerospa...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at NASA by designing and deploying advanced spacecraft simulators. Join a dynamic team focused on software testing and validation for cutting-edge aerospace projects, ensuring the...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive the design and development of NASA spacecraft simulators, ensuring advanced verification and validation of software systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance ground software and smalls...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in developing advanced software solutions for NASA's spacecraft simulators, ensuring robust verification and validation processes while collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers i...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop NASA spacecraft simulators, enhancing verification and validation processes for advanced space missions. Collaborate on innovative software solutions that imp...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing NASA's software testing and simulation efforts. Collaborate on designing and deploying spacecraft simulators, ensuring the integrity of critical systems throu...
3 weeks ago
Senior Test Systems Engineer 112-147
$112K - $147K *
Join us to lead a team of engineers in testing and evaluating complex geospatial intelligence systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance across innovative environments in government and industry. Your...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Test Equipment Controls Engineer
$100K - $135K *
Transform testing capabilities as a Test Equipment Controls Engineer, driving automation and modernization of systems. Lead enhancements for production and engineering test equipment, ensuring reliabi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of torpedo test equipment. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll lead high-profile projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and drive innovation from concept t...
4 weeks ago
Embedded Integration & Test Systems Engineer Sr
$95K - $178K *
Empower your career by driving technical planning and system integration. Collaborate across teams to transform customer requirements into effective solutions while managing cost, schedule, and risk f...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the design and development of innovative maritime countermeasure systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance naval vessel protection through advanced mechanical engineering s...
4 weeks ago
$133K - $146K *
Analyze and enhance quality processes in a dynamic environment, ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating cross-functionally to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in...
1 week ago
Pilot, Functional Check Flight - HH-60W
$200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring mission readiness through expert execution of functional check flights on HH-60W helicopters, demonstrating aircraft proficiency and safety following maintenan...
Reposted 1 week ago
Aviation Safety Inspector (AC - Flight Oversight), Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM)
$80K - $95K *
Lead the oversight of aircrew training and certification programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Collaborate with inspectors and training personnel to maintain high safety standards an...
1 week ago
Aviation Safety Inspector (AC - Flight Oversight), Assistant Aircrew Program Manager (AAPM)
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in ensuring compliance and safety standards for aircrew training programs. Collaborate with inspectors and examiners to monitor and enhance training effectiveness, while conducting inv...
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.