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Drone Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neros Technologies

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... What you will be doing Neros is seeking a test pilot to run flight testing and qualification on ...

Neros Technologies

FPV Test Pilot

Torrance, CA · On-site

$91K - $127K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... What you will be doing Neros is seeking a test pilot to run flight testing and qualification on ...

Maple Aviation

$60 - $80/hr

We are seeking a Remote Drone Pilot to support the testing and operations of our unique aircraft. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing, conducting, and documenting drone flights for ...

Teledyne

Drone & Robotics Test Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

... drone operator role-it's a systems-level test pilot position intended for a professional who ... Serve as pilot-in-command (PIC) or safety pilot for autonomous and semi-autonomous missions, with ...

Aerotek

Drone Pilot / Drone Operator

Huntsville, AL

$200K/yr

Drone Pilot / Drone Operator A Drone Pilot with Group UAS/UAV expertise is responsible for ... It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of ...

Teal Drones

Production Flight Test I

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Production Flight Test I# Production Flight Test ISLC, UT 84115## Description## **Position Summary ... 2 years drone industry experience* 25 documented hours as PIC* Part 107- FAA Remote Pilot ...

Wing

Head of Flight Test Engineering

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$276K - $293K/yr

Wing offers drone delivery as a safe, fast, and sustainable solution for last mile logistics ... Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate * Familiarity with FAA processes, standards ...

Five-S Group

Survey Drone Pilot

Lafayette, LA · On-site

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Survey Drone Pilot to operate UAVs (Unmanned Aerial ... Must be able to pass a drug test and background check. Job Posted by ApplicantPro

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Drone Test Pilot information

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$105.1K

$176K

How much do drone test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone 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 a drone test pilot?

Drone Test Pilots are specialized professionals responsible for operating and evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during test flights. Their job involves assessing the performance, safety, and reliability of drones under various conditions to ensure they meet design specifications and regulatory standards. They often work closely with engineers and technicians to identify and troubleshoot issues, provide feedback, and assist in the development of new drone technologies. Drone Test Pilots may conduct flights manually or use automated systems, and are required to keep detailed records of each test for analysis and improvement.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a drone test pilot?

To thrive as a Drone Test Pilot, you need strong aviation knowledge, technical proficiency with UAV systems, and typically a relevant degree or specialized drone pilot certification. Familiarity with flight control software, telemetry systems, and regulatory compliance tools like FAA Part 107 certification is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient testing of drone systems in compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What challenges do drone test pilots face during flight testing?

Drone test pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, unexpected technical malfunctions, and the need to adhere strictly to evolving safety protocols. Addressing these issues involves thorough pre-flight planning, real-time monitoring of both the drone's systems and environmental factors, and close collaboration with engineering teams to promptly troubleshoot anomalies. Continuous training and adherence to detailed checklists help ensure safe and efficient test flights, while debriefings after each flight provide opportunities to identify improvements and share best practices within the team.

What is the difference between Drone Test Pilot vs Drone Operator?

AspectDrone Test PilotDrone Operator
Required CertificationsFAA Part 107 certification, specialized flight trainingFAA Part 107 certification, basic drone operation training
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, outdoor test sites, labsConstruction sites, filming locations, survey areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, research labs, defense contractorsMedia companies, real estate, agriculture

Drone Test Pilots focus on testing and validating drone performance, often working in controlled environments and requiring specialized training. Drone Operators handle day-to-day drone flights for various commercial purposes, with broader operational roles. While both roles require FAA Part 107 certification, Drone Test Pilots need additional testing experience and technical knowledge.

What cities are hiring for Drone Test Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Drone Test Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Drone Test Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drone Test Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Drone Test Pilot jobs?

For Drone Test Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Drone Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Maintenance Test Pilot

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Strata-G Solutions
See more jobs at Strata-G Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Strata-G, we know it takes talented and dedicated people to deliver solutions for a greater cause, and we consider our employees to be our greatest asset. We are a growing, dynamic organization offering diverse challenges to innovative professionals.

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Maintenance Test Pilot to join our team supporting CH-47 aircraft operations. In this role, you will oversee and conduct maintenance test flights, ensure compliance with company procedures and FAA regulations, and provide technical guidance on flight and ground operations. The ideal candidate will maintain required flight currency, uphold FAA medical standards, and contribute to the safe and efficient execution of all maintenance flight activities

This position is pending contract award.

Responsibilities

  • Have and maintain an FAA Pilot Certificate (Drone part 107 optional, Commercial Instrument Rotary Wing mandatory)
  • Coordinating Strata-G's Aviation Maintenance Test Flight Operations by preparing guidance, procedures, reviews, and assessments of all documented procedures, help improve/design test flight areas, improve safety of the assigned personnel in maintenance operations.
  • Mentor junior employees in assigned aircraft, provide support to improve safety, quality, and compliance with established procedures.
  • Being Responsible for Maintaining adequately trained personnel available to perform maintenance, and functional check tasks as required for efficient hangar operations.
  • Being Responsible for ensuring that all assigned Personnel, Orientations, and Maintenance Requirements are Performed, Documented and in accordance with DCMA INST 8210 for DoD work, and FAA standards for Civil work.
  • Responsible for maintaining government property and reporting within the scope of any Government Assigned/Provided/Furnished Equipment (GFE)
  • Responsible to complete personal annual performance evaluations and test flight examinations.
  • Provide hiring/firing input as a MTP/ME for assigned Aviation Operations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field or in lieu of degree, minimum of 5 years lead/supervisory experience. Military Flight School Graduation Certificate, no adverse actions that would disqualify aviation operations, and Federal Aviation Regulation compliance.
  • FAA Pilot License or US Military Rating as Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, or Maintenance Examiner in rotary wing aircraft and/or Part 107 drone operations
  • Effective communication skills
  • Excellent Pilot and Leadership skills
  • Team Building skills
  • Knowledge of FAA and Military flight requirements including airspace, weather, health and exogenous factors
  • Must be eligible for and able to maintain a Secret Clearance.


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