Aerospace Engineering

Flight Test Engineer — Global Hiring Overview

Flight Test Engineers design, conduct, and analyse flight test campaigns for new aircraft, modifications, and certification programs.

Median Salary
$148k
$106k – $207k
Demand Score
87/100
High
Monthly Openings
720
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+11%
rolling 12 months

Market Outlook

The market for flight test engineers across the global aviation market is experiencing a high-volume surge. YoY vacancy growth is hovering at +11%, primarily catalyzed by new aircraft programs, sustainable aviation initiatives, and aerospace supply-chain growth.

Salary Trend

Experienced flight test engineers in the global aviation market are commanding base packages ranging from $106k up to $207k annually. Standard benefits packages include health insurance, flight concessions, training bonds, and flight hour allowances for crews, or performance bonuses for corporate staff.

Career Path

Professionals on this track often transition from FTE into roles like Aerospace Engineer or Systems Engineer. Long-term career progression feeds directly into lead engineer, program manager, and chief engineer tracks across OEMs paths.

Key Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute flight test campaigns
  • Instrument aircraft and analyse data
  • Support certification and EIS

Qualifications

  • B.Eng / M.Eng Aerospace
  • Flight test methodology training
  • Empire / Patuxent / NTPS graduate preferred
For Aviation Employers

Hire qualified flight test engineers on CosmoQuick

Airlines, airports, cargo carriers, MROs, aerospace OEMs, ATOs, ANSPs, and business aviation operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted flight test engineers worldwide.

For Aviation Professionals

Find Your Next Aviation Job

Join thousands of pilots, cabin crew members, and aircraft maintenance engineers getting matched with leading airlines, business aviation fleets, airports, and MROs.

Flight Test Engineer jobs by city

Flight Test Engineer salary insights

Hiring by aviation industry

Related specialties

Related aviation roles

Frequently Asked Questions

The median salary for a Flight Test Engineer in the global aviation market is around $145k, typically ranging from $104k to $203k based on experience, type ratings, and the type of aviation employer.