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Contract Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Senior Test Engineer

Eglin, FL

Canvas is seeking qualified candidates to support the 780th Test Squadron on the TMAS II contract ... Test Pilot School graduate or Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) graduate desired. Security Clearance:

Starfish

Senior Test Engineer

Eglin, FL

Flight experience as pilot, WSO, NAV, or FTE total of 5+ years military or civilian. * Must work ... No Position Contingent Upon Award of Contract: No #LI-AP1 Benefits: Torch Technologies is proud to ...

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Contract Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do contract test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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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What cities are hiring for Contract Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Test Pilot job openings:
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Contract Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

Research Flight Test Engineer - SME

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Edwards, CA • On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

MTSI is seeking Flight Test Engineer (FTE) candidates to lead various research projects for the USAF Test Pilot School (TPS) primarily on the X-62 Variable Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA), but other TPS aircraft as required. Duty location is at Edwards AFB.
*This position will be required to start between October 1, 2026 and November 30, 2026.
The following specific duties are anticipated:
  • During the extensive Mission System Upgrade (MSU) mod to the X-62 (May 2026 to approximately March 2027), responsible for technical coordination of the modifications to the aircraft - with otherX-62 project support organizations/personnel.
  • Coordinate the aircraft's mod schedules with TPS, X-62 support organizations, and with 412TW/AFTC when required.
  • Assist in developing X-62 system proposal/change requests, and evolving system requirements/needs for the MSU modifications.
  • Responsible for the research focused, operations engineering associated with the X-62 aircraft (post-MSU modifications), which include:
  • Assisting the TPS dean of flight research (DFR) to coordinate research efforts and their associated test missions efforts that could utilize the X-62, including TPS Test Management Projects (TMPs).
  • Aircraft configuration control, operations security, and scheduling
  • Test Execution - Conductor/Director duties
  • Responsible for test planning (test plans and safety plan writing, coordination, approval)
  • Including test cards development, coordination, and approvals
  • Other duties in-line with MTSI's core value to "Own and Solve our Customer's Problems".

Required:
  • Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in all phases of planning, executing, and managing flight tests and a reputation of being a team player. The demands of the X-62 are unique due to its unique leading-edge, low-TRL research mission
  • 5 year minimum (10 years desired) hands-on experience and knowledge with mission systems/sensors and electronic warfare - including AESA radar, IRST, EO/IR imaging, radar warning receivers
  • Direct experience or extensive familiarization with DoD Class II modification processes, aircraft airworthiness & approvals, and aircraft H/W & S/W configuration control.
  • Experience with AI/ML and autonomous aircraft systems.
  • Experience leading research programs within the military flight test domain.
  • Experience running or executing missions from a Mission Control Room. Qualified (or skills & experience necessary to achieve qualification) test conductor/director (TC/TD).
  • Maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of discipline engineers to support Flight Test Operations.
  • Work well in a team environment as well as independently. Skilled in making valued, trusted, defendable recommendations to leadership.
  • Experience generating test plans, flight test mission material, post-mission & detailed final reports.
  • Position requires willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of customers' requirements and needs.

Qualifications Desired:
  • Either USAF Test Pilot School Graduate or >10 yrs experience within a military flight test organization, preferably with one of the AFTC centers (Edwards AFB, Eglin AFB, or Holloman)
  • Wide breadth of aircraft test related experience, examples include sensors, EW, T-2 modifications, fight dynamics/performance, aircraft systems, and system networks.
  • Developmental Test experience

Education Requirements:
  • Required - Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (must have 20+ yrs of relevant work experience).
  • Desired - Master's degree in a STEM field (must have 15+ yrs of relevant work experience).

Travel:
  • Travel up to 10% may be required for this position.

Clearance Requirements:
  • Secret clearance is required.
  • Ability to obtain TS/SCI

U.S. Citizenship is required
The pay range for this position in California is $170,000/year to $220,000/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.
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