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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Top companies hiring for Flight Test and Operations Engineer

Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman SAIC Anduril Industries Huntington Ingalls Industries Federal Aviation Administration Parsons ViaSat Rocket Lab United Launch Alliance Boeing The Aerospace Corporation Odyssey Systems Amentum BAE Systems

Top similar job titles to Flight Test and Operations Engineer

Test Engineer jobs Senior Systems Engineer jobs Systems Engineer jobs Project Engineer jobs Software Engineer jobs Automation Engineer jobs Principal Engineer jobs Space Systems Engineer jobs Senior Engineer jobs Mechanical Engineer jobs Engineering Manager jobs Senior Electrical Engineer jobs Senior Software Engineer jobs Electrical Engineer jobs Electronics Engineer jobs

Top cities hiring for Flight Test and Operations Engineer

Huntsville, AL jobs Fort Worth, TX jobs Littleton, CO jobs San Diego, CA jobs Orlando, FL jobs Houston, TX jobs Colorado Springs, CO jobs Long Beach, CA jobs El Segundo, CA jobs Chantilly, VA jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.