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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$80K - $95K *

Elevate the safety and performance of nuclear submarine tests through leadership that mentors teams, ensures compliance with rigorous standards, and drives operational excellence in a high-stakes ship...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $119K *

Unlock potential by driving operational analytics and continuous improvement initiatives across Technical Operations. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance performance metrics, optimize...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $165K *

Transform your career with a leading role in marine mechanical engineering, overseeing design and integration for commercial and governmental vessels. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure complian...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$108K - $130K *

Take ownership of a robust testing program that evaluates systems and leads a dynamic team to ensure product excellence through effective management and innovative testing strategies. Drive quality an...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$58K - $116K *

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6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K - $108K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Engineer robust automated validation systems for complex Modeling & Simulation platforms, ensuring high-quality software through risk-based testing strategies and hands-on infrastructure development...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Drive impactful solutions by maintaining and developing Finance and Procurement systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug SQL queries, and enhance application performance for a se...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Analyze and enhance Finance and Procurement systems by developing SQL queries, debugging code, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver effective business solutions that ensure operational accur...

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  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$180K - $325K *

Transform missile assembly operations by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across multiple p...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $160K *

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...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

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...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$192K - $278K *

Lead the charge in shaping AI/ML hardware acceleration by defining silicon test strategies and methodologies. Drive innovation in TPU technology, ensuring optimal performance and yield through compreh...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$114K - $213K *

Unlock potential by developing and running data analysis tools to support data-driven decision-making in a dynamic engineering environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operati...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

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...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

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...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

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...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

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...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$118K - $219K *

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...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $241K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead engineering efforts, manage talent, and drive project success in a fast-paced environment. Leverage your expertise to ensure program performance while adhering to techn...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $194K *

Transform systems engineering by integrating technical planning and analysis to deliver comprehensive solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure project success while managing cost, schedule...

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  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$95K - $115K *

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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  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

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...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.