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Air Force Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Pilot

East Garrison, CA · On-site

$187.40 - $250/hr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow ... Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ...

The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership ... Ensure early and effective contributions to air vehicle design, cockpit/crew station design and ...

Test Pilot (California)

California, MO · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Test Pilot Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more ...

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159 - $199/hr

Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards ... You will perform flight test, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un‑crewed ...

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159 - $199/hr

Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards ... You will perform flight test, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un‑crewed ...

$80 - $120/hr

We are currently seeking highly qualified applicants to work with the US Air Force Test Pilot School, primarily supporting the Test and Evaluation training course for US Space Force personnel ...

New

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards ... You will perform flight test, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un-crewed ...

Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$159K - $199K/yr

Your role will involve the authoring of air vehicle and subsystem test plans, evaluating hazards ... You will perform flight test, piloting our general aviation support aircraft and our un-crewed ...

Test Pilot DER

Marina, CA · On-site

$222K - $286K/yr

Company Overview Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and ... This position requires a blend of formal test-pilot training and the flexibility to apply ...

Showing results 21-40

Air Force Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do air force test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Air Force Test Pilot?

Air Force Test Pilots are highly trained military aviators responsible for flying new or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, safety, and reliability. They conduct rigorous test flights, analyze data, and provide feedback to engineers and developers to help improve aircraft design and functionality. These pilots play a crucial role in advancing aviation technology and ensuring the effectiveness of Air Force aircraft before they are widely deployed. Becoming a test pilot typically requires extensive flight experience, advanced education, and completion of specialized training programs such as the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Test Pilot?

To thrive as an Air Force Test Pilot, you need a military pilot’s license, extensive flight experience, and a degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with advanced flight control systems, avionics testing tools, and specialized simulation software is typically required, alongside completion of a recognized test pilot school. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help pilots assess aircraft performance and convey findings to engineering teams. These capabilities are crucial to ensuring flight safety, advancing aircraft technology, and supporting mission-critical defense objectives.

What are some common challenges Air Force Test Pilots face when working with multidisciplinary teams during flight test programs?

Air Force Test Pilots often collaborate with engineers, scientists, maintenance crews, and program managers to evaluate new aircraft systems. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these diverse teams, as technical language and priorities can differ. Test pilots must translate flight experiences into actionable feedback while balancing safety, mission objectives, and technical accuracy. Building strong teamwork and fostering mutual respect are essential for successful test programs and personal career development.

What is the difference between Air Force Test Pilot vs Navy Test Pilot?

AspectAir Force Test PilotNavy Test Pilot
Required CredentialsMilitary pilot certification, test pilot school, engineering degreeMilitary pilot certification, test pilot school, engineering degree
Work EnvironmentAir Force bases, flight testing aircraft, high-altitude and speed testingNavy bases, aircraft carrier testing, maritime and carrier operations
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, aerospace industryU.S. Navy, naval aviation, aerospace industry

Both Air Force and Navy Test Pilots require similar credentials, including military pilot certification and test pilot training. The main difference lies in their work environment and aircraft focus: Air Force Test Pilots typically operate from air force bases testing high-altitude and speed aircraft, while Navy Test Pilots often work on aircraft carrier operations and maritime aircraft. Both roles are vital in advancing military aviation technology within their respective branches.

More about Air Force Test Pilot jobs
Infographic showing various Air Force Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Principal Test Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Dayton, OH • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

## Principal Test EngineerApplyremote type: In officelocations: Dayton, OHtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0030388The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.Do you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with amazing products and tools? Join us in championing and protecting explorers and heroes! As a Principal Test Engineer, you will offer mentorship to test engineers and serve as a technical subject matter expert for test events and documentation peer reviews. You will spearhead complex testing initiatives, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and compliance. Our testing approach evolves with the design maturity, extending from initial stages through to post-production follow-ups on subsequent articles. The role involves extensive system testing, aimed at assessing a broad spectrum of mission equipment such as communication, computing, navigation, and surveillance systems, to ensure they meet design and functionality standards. Please note, this role does not require any knowledge or skills related to software or automation testing.**Responsibilities:*** Lead strategic planning for testing initiatives and projects.* Develop and implement innovative testing methodologies and processes.* Serve as a subject matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to test engineering teams.* Oversee the execution of the most critical and complex testing projects.* Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive testing excellence.* Ensure that the sequence of test events accounts for safety risk management, including identifying potential risks and implementing mitigations, to conduct tests safely and effectively. **Qualifications You Must Have:*** Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or related field.* 14+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role.* Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.* Extensive experience in advanced testing principles and methodologies.* Thorough understanding and ability to interpret engineering principles and practices.* Progressive Experience leading in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.* Advanced Knowledge of requirements management, system design, and systems integration.* Demonstrated expertise planning, conducting and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.* The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required. **Qualifications We Prefer:*** Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School - United States Naval Test Pilot School, United States Air Force Test Pilot School or National Test Pilot School, etc.* Recognized contributions to the field of test engineering.* Experience with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies to include manual and automated testing.* Extensive experience authoring complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports in order to demonstrate compliance to system requirements.* Experience Product and Quality Assurance principles and experienced in generation and disposition of product non-conformances.* Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e. FAA, NASA, DoD).* Experience conducting testing per MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or other similar industry methods and standards.* Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical trouble shooting techniques.* Extensive experience in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. **Essential Functions:*** Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.* Ability to lift up to 25 lbs regularly.* Occasional travel may be required.* Ability to work in an office, lab, hangar, or offsite environment.This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.**IMPORTANT NOTICE:**This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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