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 *

Join a dynamic team to design and execute testing processes for Hybrid Electric Vehicles, ensuring robust performance and reliability. Collaborate with engineers and vendors to enhance testing capabil...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$166K - $249K *

Elevate airworthiness standards by leading adjacent certification processes, developing strategic roadmaps, and collaborating across teams to ensure compliance and enhance organizational execution in...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Elevate product development through leadership, strategic planning, and execution, overseeing the entire lifecycle from concept to certification, ensuring compliance and quality while mentoring your t...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform quality assurance processes by developing and implementing robust controls, conducting audits, and analyzing data to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements. Coll...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Transform quality assurance processes by developing and implementing robust controls, collaborating with teams to enhance procedures, and ensuring compliance with industry standards for optimal perfor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $210K *

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1 week ago

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$123K - $166K *

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Reposted today

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$80K - $95K *

Support the Space Development Agency by providing multi-discipline security analysis for sensitive programs, ensuring compliance with security policies, and enhancing operational resilience through pr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$73K - $100K *

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Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$127K - $170K *

Join a team that's redefining manufacturing excellence by leading composite and metallic structural assembly processes. Drive innovation and efficiency across multiple functions while ensuring seamles...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $193K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $145K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of tactical communications networks. Design, integrate, and maintain advanced systems while collaborating with military and commercial partners to enhance operati...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$95K - $115K *

Transform your career by conducting fatigue and damage tolerance analyses for aircraft structures. Collaborate with design teams to ensure structural integrity and optimize solutions, contributing to...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$50K - $175K *

Collaborate with a dynamic team to support lifecycle management and in-service activities across NAS programs, enhancing coordination, communication, and tracking for optimal FAA operational efficienc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $230K *

Transform the manufacturing of high-reliability avionics hardware by leading process optimization, collaborating across teams, and driving continuous improvement. Engage in new product introductions a...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of airborne systems by defining airworthiness standards and ensuring compliance. Collaborate with experts to enhance military aircraft capabilities and support cr...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$111K - $170K *

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2 weeks ago

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$118K - $143K *

Advance operational excellence by applying systems engineering to support Mars missions, ensuring spacecraft safety, leading anomaly investigations, and optimizing performance through innovative autom...

1 week ago

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$86K - $103K *

Elevate your career by providing expert engineering support for complex Naval aircraft systems. You'll coordinate and solve intricate mechanical issues, ensuring reliability and safety while implement...

Today

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$120K - $140K *

Lead the charge in maintaining and optimizing network systems, ensuring performance and security. Provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and implement upgrades while collaborating with teams...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$103K - $181K *

Lead project engineering efforts by integrating technical, budget, and scheduling aspects to ensure successful project execution. Collaborate with teams to maintain quality standards and meet client r...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$103K - $181K *

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1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$103K - $181K *

Lead the integration of engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects. Ensure technical excellence, manage procurement, and coordinate interdisciplinary teams to meet client criteria a...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$103K - $181K *

Lead the integration of engineering, budget, and scheduling for medium-sized projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with standards while managing resources and timelines effectively...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$103K - $181K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of engineering by integrating project elements, ensuring technical excellence, and driving successful outcomes in a dynamic environment. Your expertise will be ke...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

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.