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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$129K - $193K *

Lead comprehensive test programs, ensuring effective planning, execution, and reporting of lab and flight tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet developmental objectives while managing...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $165K *

Lead the technical development and procurement of mechanical equipment packages for diverse industrial projects, ensuring integration and compliance throughout the project lifecycle from design to com...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$115K - $150K *

Drive cross-functional coordination and governance for engineering programs, enhancing visibility and resource planning. Lead execution of new product introductions and custom engineering initiatives...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in mechanical testing by designing and executing test campaigns, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring safety and quality in a dynamic environment...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$119K - $165K *

Unlock innovative solutions by developing complex software capabilities, collaborating with a dynamic team to meet client needs, while utilizing modern tools and staying current with industry trends i...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$127K - $170K *

Unlock potential by leading manufacturing test engineering to ensure quality and scalability of high-volume production systems, driving innovation in testing methodologies, and fostering a culture of...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$144K - $200K *

Lead the design and optimization of advanced propulsion systems, integrating technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovative solutions from concept to production in a fast-p...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $132K *

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4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $132K *

Shape the future of avionics by developing cutting-edge electrical hardware for spacecraft. Collaborate with diverse engineering teams through all phases of design, testing, and production, while gain...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

Lead the oversight of Heavy Maintenance Providers, ensuring compliance with quality control programs and regulatory standards while fostering strong vendor relationships through extensive travel acros...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$80K - $95K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $120K *

Lead the charge in ensuring measurement system integrity for production activities, driving quality and compliance in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to en...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$184K - $289K *

Lead program management initiatives to enhance enterprise transformation, driving excellence in execution and culture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop tools and processes that suppo...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$184K - $289K *

Champion program management excellence by leading initiatives, developing tools, and enhancing processes to support enterprise transformation. Collaborate with teams to drive performance and foster st...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$114K - $171K *

Engage in the development and maintenance of ICBM targeting software, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance missile simulations and ensure system performance through rigorous testing...

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  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$82K - $103K *

Join a team that's redefining space exploration by developing cutting-edge avionics hardware for robotic systems. Collaborate across disciplines to drive projects from concept to production, ensuring...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Shape your career by leading engineering teams in hybrid cloud architecture and DevSecOps. Drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance in complex federal environments while fostering collaborat...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$120K - $145K *

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2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$215K - $300K *

Shape the future of simulation software by developing robust frameworks and enhancing performance for safety-critical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and mentor pe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$215K - $300K *

Lead the development of a scalable simulation software framework, enhancing performance and flexibility for safety-critical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project decisions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$215K - $300K *

Unlock the potential of simulation software by leading the development of a robust framework for safety-critical systems, enhancing performance and flexibility while collaborating with cross-functiona...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$78K - $128K *

Join us to ensure robust testing and calibration of military diesel engines, coordinating development and verification efforts across engineering teams to meet customer and regulatory standards while...

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  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $230K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of airborne multifunction sensors, leading cross-functional teams to ensure technical performance and program execution while collaborating with diverse stakeholde...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$123K - $180K *

Engineer innovative electronic warfare systems, translating operational needs into requirements. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, and test advanced EW solutions, ensuring...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$52K - $114K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to perform critical testing of spacecraft avionics hardware, ensuring high-quality performance and reliability through collaboration with engineering and pro...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

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.