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.
2027 Trajectory Optimization Engineer
$86K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team driving innovative flight mechanics solutions for cislunar missions. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to tackle complex challenges in trajectory design, optimization, and...
1 week ago
2027 Trajectory Optimization Engineer
$86K - $150K *
Transform the future of aerospace by providing flight mechanics expertise for cislunar missions, optimizing trajectories, and collaborating with engineering teams to solve complex challenges in space...
1 week ago
$143K - $218K *
Empower innovation by developing and enhancing trajectory simulation tools, ensuring safety and performance in flight dynamics. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to support suborbital vehicle...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine fluid dynamic systems as you design, develop, and validate innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success while adhering to safety and quality standa...
5 days ago
Operations Manager, Ground Operations
$90K - $100K *
Advance your career by leading a high-performing warehouse team, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safety compliance while achieving key performance metrics and enhancing customer satisfact...
2 weeks ago
Senior System Integration & Test Engineer -Electronic Warfare (EW)
$85K - $158K *
Join a team that's tackling complex Electronic Warfare challenges by integrating and testing advanced systems. Collaborate across disciplines to develop solutions that enhance operational capabilities...
5 days ago
Software Engineer (Hybrid) - 29507
$115K - $145K *
Build innovative software solutions in a dynamic team. Collaborate on complex systems, utilizing modern technologies and AI-driven tools to meet client needs while enhancing your skills in a fast-pace...
Reposted 2 days ago
Navigation & Tracking Engineer
$75K - $156K *
Innovate by developing advanced navigation and tracking software for complex environments, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to enhance systems used in defense and space applications. Bring...
Reposted 1 week ago
$77K - $107K *
Lead quality assurance initiatives to ensure compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and interface with customers to uphold product integrity...
2 weeks ago
Senior Principal Mission Engineer
$153K - $190K *
Lead a team that transforms operational needs into testable capabilities for advanced airborne systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Electromagnetic Battle Management capabilities through...
Today
Electro-Optical Systems Project Engineer
$141K - $224K *
Drive innovation as you design and deploy advanced Free-Space Optical Communications solutions, leading projects for government and military clients while mentoring engineers and engaging with diverse...
3 weeks ago
Electro-Optical Systems Project Engineer
$141K - $224K *
Join a dynamic team to design, implement, and troubleshoot advanced Free-Space Optical Communications systems for government and military clients, driving innovation and technical excellence across di...
3 weeks ago
$56K - $105K *
Lead high-power RF antenna testing to support product development and compliance. Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot systems, collect performance data, and ensure adherence to safety s...
1 week ago
$56K - $105K *
Unlock potential by performing hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex electronic and mechanical systems. Collaborate with engineers to ensure optimal functionality and complian...
2 weeks ago
Orion Mechanical Test Operations Engineer Asc - 3rd Shift-Early Career
$58K - $108K *
Transform the future of aerospace by executing critical test operations for the Artemis program. Collaborate on flight hardware testing, ensuring precision and safety while supporting a 24/7 testing e...
1 week ago
$85K - $110K *
Lead the development of advanced testing techniques for software and systems applications, ensuring reliability in cutting-edge EW and UAS technologies through both manual and automated testing in a c...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Champion the development and maintenance of secure, scalable back-end systems, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring data integrity and compliance in a hi...
3 weeks ago
Technical Lead / Senior Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Empower innovation as you lead a team in developing cutting-edge AI systems. Oversee architecture, guide software integration, and ensure safety in a dynamic environment, while mentoring engineers and...
4 weeks ago
Electrical Engineer/Senior Electrical Engineer
$117K - $226K *
Champion innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in electrical power systems to enhance design, safety, and efficiency. Collaborate with a dynamic team to tackle complex challenges in the sp...
Yesterday
Mechanical (Thermal/Vibration) Test Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in testing and validating mechanical and thermal systems for innovative battery energy storage solutions. Collaborate closely with R&D to ensure product reliability and performance thr...
5 days ago
Staff FPGA Operations Project Engineer
$158K - $189K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading complex FPGA operations initiatives, enhancing workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally to achieve quality and efficiency goals. Take ownership of projec...
5 days ago
Staff FPGA Operations Project Engineer
$165K - $199K *
Join a team that's driving engineering excellence by leading complex FPGA operations initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance workflows, improve efficiency, and support quality objective...
5 days ago
Staff FPGA Operations Project Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engage in complex engineering operations initiatives, leading project planning and execution to enhance FPGA development. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement workflows, improve processes, and...
5 days ago
CONUS Deployable - Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Program Manager (USAF)
$87K - $105K *
Join a dynamic team managing the EFB program for USAF Bomber Bases, ensuring aircrew have up-to-date electronic flight publications and devices. This role combines hands-on device administration with...
Yesterday
Principal Operations Engineer (Application Software)
$180K - $275K *
Champion innovative strategies to enhance software operations, drive growth, and tackle complex challenges. Collaborate with leadership to optimize resources and ensure seamless execution across multi...
2 weeks 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.