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.
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
$95K - $130K *
Elevate your career by managing complex aviation infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful delivery from planning to closeout, while enhancing your project...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead quality engineering initiatives to ensure compliance and excellence in medical diagnostic instruments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish standards, improve processes, and deliv...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in ensuring compliance with aerospace quality standards, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting manufacturing quality processes to deliver safe and reliable product...
5 days ago
$179K - $230K *
Empower innovation by leading optical test efforts for advanced infrared sensing instruments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing methodologies and ensure high-quality performan...
3 weeks ago
Senior RF Manufacturing Test Engineer
$147K - $196K *
Champion the testing of cutting-edge defense hardware, ensuring quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and drive continuous improvem...
Today
Flight Software Engineer - Command & Control
$130K - $205K *
Champion innovation in embedded software development for aircraft communications, focusing on seamless integration between air and ground systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance c...
3 weeks ago
Data Operations Engineer (Hybrid) - 30180
$119K - $165K *
Drive operational excellence in data management by leading a technical team focused on ensuring data reliability, responsiveness, and transformation. Engage with stakeholders to align mission-critical...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Program Quality Engineer Asc - E1
$65K - $121K *
Manage the execution of program quality requirements across the lifecycle, ensuring compliance and effective collaboration with teams. Oversee quality audits, establish budgets, and maintain strong re...
1 week ago
$80K - $105K *
Transform production testing by designing, developing, and maintaining test systems. Collaborate across teams to troubleshoot and enhance testing capabilities for hybrid microelectronics and avionics...
Today
$130K - $150K *
Lead the Requirements Management team to ensure comprehensive capture and control of technical and regulatory requirements, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance naval program success and operati...
4 days ago
$79K - $147K *
Optimize system integration and testing solutions for automated equipment, ensuring reliable product performance through robust design and execution of test strategies while collaborating with cross-f...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$79K - $147K *
Lead the charge in planning and executing comprehensive test solutions, ensuring integration of systems and subsystems while addressing technical, schedule, and cost constraints. Collaborate with team...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's redefining antenna design and development. Collaborate on mechanical designs, conduct analyses, and transition projects from engineering to production, all while supporting innovati...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in supporting the NAVAIR PMX-201 Joint Program Office by coordinating weapon production planning, developing program documentation, and ensuring effective communication with stakeholde...
3 weeks ago
$83K - $104K *
Optimize project execution by supporting construction management on key global initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams, manage subcontractor performance, and ensure project milestones are met thro...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr Advanced Systems Engineer-Integrated Flight Deck Systems
$110K - $130K *
Support the development and integration of advanced avionics systems, ensuring seamless operation and issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deli...
1 week ago
Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise
$107K - $149K *
Join a dynamic team to design and analyze advanced thermal systems for spacecraft, focusing on high-performance radiators and heat rejection technologies. Contribute to innovative solutions that suppo...
1 week ago
Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise
$98K - $137K *
Unlock innovative thermal solutions for next-gen spacecraft by designing and analyzing advanced heat rejection systems. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure mission success in the challe...
1 week ago
Sr Principal Software Engineer
$129K - $193K *
Lead the development of innovative Data & Analytics solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable insights. Drive full stack projects from design to de...
4 days ago
$85K - $142K *
Unlock your potential as a key contributor in control dynamics, focusing on design and analysis for launch vehicle missions. Collaborate effectively with teams while presenting analyses and insights i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$85K - $142K *
Contribute to innovative control systems design and analysis for mission-critical operations on advanced launch vehicles. Collaborate in performance evaluations, peer reviews, and client presentations...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$104K - $166K *
Join a dynamic team to support military missile detection systems, providing software expertise across high-visibility programs. Collaborate with vendors and lead Agile planning to enhance complex sys...
6 days ago
Avionics/Electrical Engineer, Defense Systems Integration
$95K - $115K *
Engage in the integration of mission systems on aircraft, ensuring compliance with certification standards while managing deliverables and risks throughout the project lifecycle. Collaborate with team...
1 week ago
Avionics/Electrical Engineer, Defense Systems Integration
$95K - $115K *
Champion the integration of mission systems on aircraft, ensuring compliance with Defense customer requirements. Lead the development of critical deliverables and support testing phases while managing...
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.