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Engineering Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Engineering Test Pilot Reporting To: Director, AG Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight ...

Engineering Test Pilot

Mineral Wells, TX · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Engineering Test Pilot Reporting To: Director, AG Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other ...

Test Pilot

Marina, CA · On-site

$187K - $250K/yr

Formal test pilot training and/or experience is essential, as is flexibility in outlook to adapt ... Perform flight test engineering duties, including test card preparation, test direction, and other ...

Test Pilot

Mojave, CA · On-site

$199K - $299K/yr

Leading / participating in system design and reviews as Project Pilot, in alignment with your prior engineering experience. * Develop test strategies, test plans and test procedures for aircraft and ...

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

Tasks include planning and flying test flights as Pilot in Command ( PIC ) and Second in Command ( SIC ); supporting ground tests as Test Conductor, Test Director, or Flight Test Engineer; preparing ...

Sr. Staff Test Pilot

Hollister, CA · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

As a member of our Flight Test team, you will be working closely with fellow test pilots, flight test technicians, flight test engineers, system engineers and our certification group to verify and ...

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Engineering Test Pilot information

See salary details

$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do engineering test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering 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 are some common challenges faced by Engineering Test Pilots during flight testing, and how are they addressed?

Engineering Test Pilots often encounter challenges such as unexpected aircraft behavior, rapidly changing test parameters, and the need to communicate complex technical feedback to engineers. To address these challenges, they follow strict safety protocols, participate in extensive pre-flight briefings, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to anticipate and mitigate risks. Continuous training and simulation exercises also help test pilots prepare for a range of scenarios, ensuring that data collected is accurate and safety is maintained throughout the testing process.

What are engineering test pilots?

Engineering test pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying prototype, experimental, or modified aircraft to evaluate their performance, handling, and safety. They work closely with aircraft engineers and designers to collect data, identify issues, and provide feedback that informs design improvements. Their role is critical in the development and certification of new or updated aircraft, ensuring they meet regulatory and safety standards. Engineering test pilots must have advanced flying skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to assess complex systems under various flight conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Test Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Test Pilot, you need an advanced pilot license (often ATP or military equivalent), a strong engineering or aeronautical background, and extensive flight experience. Familiarity with flight test instrumentation, data analysis software, and certification processes such as FAA or EASA regulations is crucial. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and risk management skills set top candidates apart in this high-stakes field. These abilities are essential for safely conducting test flights, accurately evaluating aircraft performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance aerospace innovation.

What is the difference between Engineering Test Pilot vs Flight Test Engineer?

AspectEngineering Test PilotFlight Test Engineer
CredentialsPilot certifications, engineering backgroundEngineering degree, flight testing experience
Work EnvironmentIn-flight testing, aircraft operationGround testing, data analysis
Industry UsageAerospace, defense, aircraft developmentAerospace, aircraft certification

Engineering Test Pilots primarily operate aircraft during flight tests, combining piloting skills with engineering knowledge. Flight Test Engineers focus on planning, data collection, and analysis during testing, often working on the ground. Both roles are essential in aerospace development but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

More about Engineering Test Pilot jobs
What states have the most Engineering Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Engineering Test Pilot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Engineering Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Engineering Test Pilot

Engineering Test Pilot

Moog

Mineral Wells, TX • On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Moog Inc. rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work.

Job Title:

Engineering Test Pilot

Reporting To:

Director, AG Engineering

Work Schedule:

Onsite - Mineral Wells, TX

Our Moog Military Aircraft Group is looking for an Engineering Test Pilot to conduct flight test and evaluation projects for Moog Avionics. This includes testing fixed wing, rotary wing, and non-standard aircraft and avionics system products. You'll be responsible for conducting safe and professional flight operations in support of flight test, demonstrations, system integration, product development, and certification. Additionally, you'll plan, develop and execute test flights on various aircraft to verify airworthiness and performance capability; validate and verify compliance with specifications and to determine operational effectiveness and/or suitability of the avionics system. This role has an onsite work schedule in Mineral Wells, TX. Moog Avionics delivers customer-focused technologies and customized solutions for Special Mission, Military & Defense, Military Trainer, Business, and General Aviation industries.

Day- to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Provide test pilot expertise to assigned programs; technology/research and product development efforts to ensure man-machine interface issues and requirements are identified for new or modified designs.
  • Provide DER/UM pilot expertise and safety/regulatory guidance to internal departments for design definition, flight test planning, flight test techniques, test reporting and proposal preparation.
  • Identify and report customer, man-machine interface and certification issues to Program Management/Engineering functions.
  • Write and/or review development or certification test plans and reports for assigned flight tests associated with customer programs, internal programs and products.
  • Participate in the planning, coordination, and short-term scheduling of tests to be performed on assigned test aircraft
  • Coordinate with flight test engineers as required ensuring the aircraft is configured properly to meet test objectives.
  • Plan and conduct development and certification flight test activities on assigned airplane.
  • Gather quantitative and qualitative date to determine performance characteristics during flight test
  • Prepare and distribute Flight Reports after each assigned test flight.
  • Perform FAA evaluation flights as required to support ODA or other civil certification projects.
  • Support training department in preparing training material for various avionics products
  • Conduct classroom and/or aircraft training to customers and internal personnel
  • Consult with project personnel and others to provide regulatory/safety/system assistance and information from a pilot perspective.

Here's what you'll bring with you...

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering, or similar technical foundation to support aircraft design.
  • FAA Commercial pilot certificate (prefer dual-rated pilot- rotorcraft and airplane).
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time.
  • Two years of test pilot experience on developmental flight test programs.
  • FAA Second Class medical certificate.
  • Graduate of a recognized Test Pilot School or equivalent test pilot training.
  • Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% to support offsite flight testing.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for flight operations and aircraft certification. Able to be designated as an ODA Unit Member and/or FAA Flight Test Pilot DER. Previous designation preferred.
  • Must have the physical ability to operate cockpit flight controls with up to 150 lbs. of rudder forces, elevator forces up to 120 lbs., and aileron forces up to 90 lbs.
  • Must be a U.S citizen.

Our Benefits - How We Care for You:

  • Financial Rewards: great compensation package, annual profit sharing, matching 401k and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance
  • Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan ("EAP") and other supplemental benefit coverages
  • Professional Skills Development: Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs
  • Collaborative and Welcoming Workplace: Inclusive culture rooted in our values, enhanced by Employee Resource Groups, and team-building activities.
  • Additional site-specific benefits may be offered
  • Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 10 hour shifts

#LI-Onsite

Salary Range Transparency:

Mineral Wells, TX $190,000.00-$220,000.00 Annually

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits.

This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.
EOE/AA Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran

Moog is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 844-367-5787.

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Absent compliance with these pre-conditions resumes submitted directly to any Moog Inc. employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Moog Inc.


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About Moog

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1951 with the invention of the servo valve by Bill Moog, a breakthrough in motion control systems, Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B) has evolved into a global leader in motion control parts and systems. Headquartered in East Aurora, NY, we serve customers in over 90 countries, with operations spanning more than 27 countries and a dedicated workforce of nearly 13,000 professionals. Our organization comprises three operating groups: Aircraft, Industrial, and Space and Defense. Our high-performance systems drive military and commercial aircraft, satellites, launch vehicles, missiles, industrial machinery, marine, and medical equipment. At Moog, our focus lies in crafting high-performance solutions to solve the most challenging technical problems for our customers. Beyond technical prowess, Moog fosters a performance culture empowering employees to achieve greatness. Our team thrives on tackling engaging technical challenges within a culture of trust, offering rewarding job experiences and a fulfilling work-life balance.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Aurora, NY, US

Year founded

1951

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