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.
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Drive the integration of complex systems for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment, collaborating with diverse teams to solve multifaceted challenges and optimize life-cycle performance while ensurin...
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Drive innovative solutions by integrating legacy systems with advanced technologies. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage technical efforts, ensuring effective system design and lifecycle optimiza...
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Empower innovation by developing system-level artifacts and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve customer objectives. Join a dynamic team to build a new program and enhance customer relationship...
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Join a team that's dedicated to transforming customer requirements into comprehensive systems solutions. Engage in technical planning, integration, and analysis across all product lifecycle stages whi...
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$104K - $194K *
Unlock potential by driving system integration and analysis across all phases of product development. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams to translate customer requirements into effective solut...
1 week ago
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Engineer innovative solutions by leading systems integration and verification efforts. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely delivery of advanced hypersonic systems while managing technical challe...
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Drive technical planning and system integration to deliver effective solutions. Collaborate across all product lifecycle stages, ensuring customer requirements are met within technical, schedule, and...
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Help us drive innovation by performing technical planning and system integration for complex aerospace systems, ensuring compliance with requirements and fostering collaboration across engineering dis...
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Reposted 2 weeks ago
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Shape the future of air traffic operations by supervising a dedicated team, planning workflows, and enhancing performance. Drive efficiency and uphold safety standards while fostering a diverse and eq...
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Drive innovative electrical designs for CCAs by overseeing end-to-end processes, including circuit simulation, layout, documentation, and testing to support the Recorders Product Line. Collaborate wit...
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Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist, Operations Supervisor
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence as you supervise a dedicated team, ensuring effective air traffic control operations while fostering a diverse and equitable work environment. Drive performance improve...
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Join a dynamic team to develop mission-critical software solutions that enhance SpaceX operations and support rapid innovation in aerospace technology. Collaborate with diverse engineers to tackle com...
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1 week ago
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Champion innovative flight test projects, leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution, budget management, and alignment with performance objectives for advanced mission capabilities...
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Lead structural analysis efforts to ensure spacecraft meet performance standards. Collaborate with engineering teams to define analytical approaches and develop tools for efficient decision-making in...
6 days ago
$90K - $102K *
Drive quality excellence in manufacturing by ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and enhance production processes, while...
4 days ago
Software Engineer/ Principal Software Engineer
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2 weeks ago
HPC DevOps & Software Integration Engineer
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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.