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.
$98K - $171K *
Lead the charge in integrating data science with product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...
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Unlock potential by leading safety assessments and recommendations for launch and space vehicle systems. Ensure compliance with safety requirements while fostering collaboration across teams in a dyna...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
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Transform safety assessments by evaluating vehicle systems and operational procedures, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective hazard management through independent audits and recommendations to...
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$110K - $130K *
Transform project execution by leveraging your engineering expertise to oversee major capital construction initiatives, ensuring technical quality and compliance throughout all phases from planning to...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the technical quality and execution of major capital construction projects, providing oversight and support throughout all phases, including planning, design...
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2 weeks ago
AUKUS Technical / Engineering Professionals (Engineer 4) - 29071
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1 week ago
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$95K - $135K *
Empower the development of innovative software solutions by designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced systems. Collaborate in a dynamic team, leveraging modern technologies to meet client needs...
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$123K - $229K *
Shape the future of technical training by leading complex programs, managing teams, and developing impactful training materials to enhance workforce capabilities in a manufacturing environment...
2 weeks ago
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Elevate your career by bridging data science and product support engineering to enhance system readiness and drive efficiencies. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate insights into actionable re...
2 weeks ago
Sr Principal System Engineer - Integration & Test (AHT)
$142K - $213K *
Lead system-level integration and testing for ground elements, ensuring compliance and efficiency through collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Drive test planning, execution, and documentation...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing advanced propulsion systems for aerospace and defense. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance throughou...
1 week ago
$61K - $105K *
Tackle complex navigation challenges by leading testing and certification efforts for U.S. Navy ships. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, resolve technical issues, and enhance navigation systems...
3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer
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Reposted 6 days ago
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Drive impactful intelligence analysis by leveraging advanced imagery science techniques. Collaborate with teams to enhance situational awareness and support critical military operations through expert...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished System Requirements Engineer
$100K - $275K *
Elevate your career by defining and verifying system requirements within a cutting-edge engineering framework. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to shape innovative solutions that meet complex...
1 week ago
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$155K - $185K *
Unlock potential by partnering with business teams to tackle operational challenges, design full-stack solutions, and enhance workflows, leveraging AI technologies while delivering high-quality softwa...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Aircraft Certification Engineer - Systems
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of aircraft certification by guiding military commercial derivative aircraft through rigorous FAA and military airworthiness standards, ensuring safety and compliance with key stakeho...
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$150K - $240K *
Innovate avionics solutions for space vehicles by architecting and leading the development of core systems. Drive technical excellence from design to production, ensuring reliability and scalability i...
6 days ago
$58K - $108K *
Elevate your career by engaging in diverse Systems Engineering tasks that enhance your technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills within a collaborative, cross-functional team environment across...
4 days ago
$108K - $201K *
Innovate and lead all program phases from inception to completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance. Engage with customers, manage proposals, and drive product development while over...
1 week ago
$135K - $251K *
Contribute to the success of complex programs by leading cross-functional teams to ensure cost, schedule, and technical performance meet established goals. Drive innovation and efficiency in product d...
1 week ago
$135K - $251K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in aerospace technology, overseeing the Mk7 Aeroshell Product's cost, schedule, and technical execution while collaborating across departments to ensure successfu...
1 week ago
$120K - $224K *
Champion the Finland Component Repair Proposal, leading cross-functional teams to develop and negotiate proposals while ensuring alignment with program objectives and successful execution of contract...
2 weeks ago
Principal Electro-Optical Seeker Modeling and Simulations Engineer 3
$108K - $162K *
Empower innovation by developing high-fidelity simulations and models for seeker design and performance assessment. Collaborate across teams to enhance algorithms and support flight test activities in...
1 week 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.