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Contract Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reliable Robotics

... test facility in San Martin, CA, and our contract location of Guam. The schedule will be a 14 day ... Proficient single pilot IFR skills * Strong communication skills * Ability to work in an ever ...

DZYNE Technologies

$120K - $160K/yr

Graduate of an internationally recognized test pilot school * Experience in US Armed Forces ... Due to the requirements of the government contract associated with this position, candidates must ...

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$81.5K

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$176K

How much do contract test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract 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 the difference between Contract Test Pilot vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectContract Test PilotFlight Test Engineer
Required CredentialsCommercial pilot license, type ratings, flight experienceEngineering degree, flight testing certifications
Work EnvironmentIn-flight testing, aircraft operationGround testing, data analysis, flight planning
Employer & IndustryAerospace companies, defense contractorsAerospace firms, aircraft manufacturers

Contract Test Pilots primarily operate aircraft during flight tests, focusing on piloting and safety. Flight Test Engineers analyze data, plan tests, and support flight operations from the ground. While both roles are essential in aircraft testing, Contract Test Pilots are pilots with specialized flying skills, whereas Flight Test Engineers are engineers with expertise in aircraft systems and data analysis.

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Contract Test Pilot jobs near you
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Pilot

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Pilot

Central Garden & Pet

Daytona Beach, FL

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Central Garden & Pet rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

Description

****Statement to Applicants:This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****We are seeking a skilled and motivatedUnmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Remote Pilotto lead aerial operations using large-scale UAS and sUAS drones for agricultural applications, including crop spraying, mapping, and imagery collection. This is a hands-on, field-based role where your primary responsibility will be the safe, efficient, and effective flight testing of advanced drone systems in support of aircraft production from Central UAS Technologies manufacturing. You will build strong relationships with both our software and hardware engineering teams. Central UAS Technologies, a vertical of Central Life Sciences, is dedicated to the creation of uncrewed aerial systems which have a direct positive impact on agriculture, forestry, noxious weed and public health. Our parent company is Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA); we offer an amazing educational assistance program in addition to great medical, dental, vision, which you will be eligible the first of the month following 30 days, plus free life and free disability insurance. Our 401k has a 3% match, and you are eligible day one. We also offer pet insurance and other voluntary benefits. Please see our website atwww.central.comfor additional company information.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAs a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) test pilot, you will be responsible for all tasks associated with performing UAS Missions/Flights - such as:
  • Primary focus on flight testing production units
  • Working with software and hardware engineers to perform flight tests on new feature releases
  • Provide regression testing on new software releases
  • Maintain detailed notes and reporting on software bugs
  • Coordinate flight testing with R&D team
  • When available, provide application services assistance for contract application services
  • Provide Visual Observer services to other RPICs
  • Loading UAS with water/payload for flight testing
  • Understand and provide manufacturing assembly when available, building large scale UAS from documented processes
  • Diagnose, repair, and test UAS that are received for service
  • Field work to support UAS application operations
QUALIFICATIONS
  • FAA CFR Part 107 UAS pilot certificate
  • Drone piloting proficiencies with 50-100 hours of experience in verifiable flight time - fixed wing, rotor, or multirotor
  • Ability to operate and handle a truck and trailer
  • A valid U.S. state Drivers License
  • Be able to attain the required aerial applicator license and any other license required by Federal and State of Florida legislation
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
  • 3+ years of professional, related experience
  • Prior experience operating sUAS
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as QGIS
WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • This position is based primarily outside in all types of weather and uneven terrain
  • Applicants must be able to work around and safely handle pesticides according to product labeling
  • Physical requirements: Standing, sitting, walking and climbing on unlevel or grassy terrain, reaching. Must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. on a frequent basis with co-worker assistance
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite applications and software
  • Strong teamworking skills through collaborative problem solving
POSITION INFORMATION
  • This position pays $20 - $22 per hour depending on experience
BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Free Life and Disability Insurance
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
  • Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to thousands of free online courses
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, and more!
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Access to on-demand pay
  • Paid parental leave
****Statement to Applicants:This position is unable to accommodate sponsorship****Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Companys innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro, Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H, Nylabone and Pennington, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,400 employees across North America and Europe. Visitwww.central.comto learn more.We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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