Flight test engineer
Also known as: flight test technician, flight testing engineer, flight test performance engineer, flight test data engineer, flight test engineering consultant, flight test technology specialist
About this occupation
Flight test engineers work with other systems engineers to plan the tests in detail and to make sure that the recording systems are installed for the required data parameters. They analyse the data collected during test flights and produce reports for individual test phases and for the final flight test. They are also responsible for the safety of the test operations.
A specialisation of electronics engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- common aviation safety regulations
- plan test flights
- ensure aircraft compliance with regulation
- perform scientific research
- approve engineering design
- oversee aircraft sensors and recording systems
- analyse test data
- engineering processes
- production processes
- engineering principles
- operate two-way radio systems
- industrial engineering
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Aerospace Engineers (O*NET 17-2011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$134,960 a year (2025), 67,710 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignExtremely important (4.7)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineers
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Automotive Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.