F35 Senior Flight Test Engineer

Patuxent River, MDFull-time$133k–$226kPosted Jul 17, 2026

Job Description
The senior FTE role activities are to support of Flight Test integration across the program, including development and reporting across the organization to ensure compliance with business and contractual requirements.

The role will apply flight test engineering leadership and expertise to plan, coordinate and execute a highly complex and interdependent Developmental Flight Test Program for the F35 aircraft, ensuring an integrated, efficient and safe flight test program is delivered for the unique and demanding Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) and Carrier Variant (CV) aircraft.

Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, USA this role is part of BAE Systems Inc, Air Force Solutions, Technical Solutions and Services business unit and will operate within the US framework. The role requires an element of business travel within the US and overseas, including deployments and detachment to remote work locations on land and at sea and will interface directly with Industry & Military partners and customers.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Key position within the F35 project responsible for delivering a complex flight test program.
  • Contributes to the development of a 5th generation combat aircraft in conjunction with Lockheed Martin.
  • Requires broad knowledge of flight test principles and practices with the ability to integrate across engineering disciplines.
  • Minimum of 5–10 years of experience and training in applying subject or discipline knowledge to job-related situations.
  • Proficiency in utilizing specialized equipment, tools, and techniques.
  • Proven experience in managing and leading others.


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
• Demonstrated advanced communication and coordination skills
• Knowledge of test techniques for modern fighter aircraft
• Experience with and understanding the principals of Situational Awareness and Crew Resource Management

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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