I think he means test pilots. Those job descriptions always contain some sort of engineering background- AE, EE, and ME are common. But just having the engineering degree is not all that is required to be a competitive test pilot, it is a highly select field. They will probably know of you before you know of them, that sort of thing. You need a strong flying background with lots of turbine and one of the test pilot schools in your background. Desk jobs in flight test are fairly easy to get if you have one of the engineering degrees, but please do not go into some flight test dept. thinking you are going to advance from entry level desk work to left seat any time soon. I know people who can't even get to the right seat after 25 years in FT, they get well into management before they get to left seat. At the least it takes a decade or so if you happen to succeed.

Like WRX, I made the switch a few years ago, and have posted about that. I am currently in my 4th year at a regional after some part time charter and flight instruction. I spent 20 years in engineering before coming to a regional. I have kept up my engineering certifications (Professional Engineering license) and could get a six figure job within a month if I quit flying. I hope I NEVER have to go back!! I have more time off, visit more people/places than I ever have before, and truly enjoy what I do every single day. There is good and bad to everything, but this is a great job!

Jamesnobreaks, the thought of building my own plane makes me want to stab myself in the eye with a hot poker and pour salt in it. I do, however, still fly the old Cessna 150 on a regular basis!